The Director's Note
>>> Check out the Band Calendar & The Weekly Band Agenda <<<
2 August 2021
What a (short) summer! Well, it's here -- The 2021-22 School Year. There is a ton of information here on our website, and one of my goals is to get folks to utilize it. I promise the WBA and the Homepage will be more accurate and more frequently updated than EVER, as well as our Google Calendar. Please check those out.
But, most importantly, thank you for being part of OUR band. This year, we plan to not only #SOAR, but rather SOARING into a new building and a new era for the TPOE Eagle Bands! I am so glad you will be here for it. Mr. Clark, Ms. Stoddard, T-Bark, Mrs. F, and I are excited about what the new year will bring. Band Camp was great and so should be August. Let's Go band!
All the best,
Mr. F
--------------------------------------------------
14 May 2021
Hello, TPOE Band Folks. I sent this information out to Rising 9th Graders yesterday, but there is some good information for everyone. Please check it out:
If we thought we were zipping right along toward the end of April, we are now in full-on snowball mode. The summer will be here before we know it! And it is going to fly by too.
I wanted to share three pieces of information:
*REMIND SIGN-UPS*
Parents and students. Please make sure you are in the correct Remind group and are receiving messages.
Simply text the correct graduation year code to the number 81010. Here are the class codes: @25TPOE, @24TPOE, @23TPOE, or @22TPOE. That is the easiest way for me to get information to you.
**BAND FUN NIGHT, THURS., MAY 20th**
Please plan to join us this coming Thursday evening from 5-8pm (5/20). We were not able to have our "Hype Day" event in the fall, and I still have the "Hype Day" t-shirts to give you. We will have a fun marching band evening from 5-8pm (and we will feed you). The sign-up link will drop this weekend on out website and then I will send it out Monday morning.
***SUMMER HEALTH/PE & SPANISH INFORMATION***
And finally, over the last several years, the school system has figured out that offering Spanish and Health/PE during the summers enables students to enjoy more electives during the school year. My own daughter took health and PE during the summer and loved it. This year, those summer offerings will be all virtual and the school system just released the information today: SUMMER PE/HEALTH & SPANISH INFORMATION - CLICK HERE (<<<That right there is a hot link--Check it out. <<<) I have been waiting for this information and wanted to get it to you as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the concert last week and to the percussionists who have been coming out on Monday evenings. Please join us next Thursday. And do make sure you are in that Remind group.
Have a great afternoon!
Kindly,
Mr. F
DON'T MISS THE WEEKLY BAND AGENDA
----------------------------------------------
2 May 2021
The end of this crazy school year will be here before we know it. As we say goodbye to the Class of 2021, we will also find ourselves busy getting ready for what's next.
The next thing for the band members is the big Spring Concert Extravaganza which is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, May 11th at Sharp Stadium. Parents and other friends and supporters should bring lawn chairs, because the band members will be playing from the concrete home stands and the crowd will be socially distanced on the field. We will also recognize our seniors and some outstanding TPOE members. You won't want to miss this one!
Please be sure you are receiving Remind messages. It's easy to join. Simply text one of the codes
below to the number 81010. Choose your graduation year: @21tpoe, @22tpoe, @23tpoe, @24tpoe, or @25tpoe.
Important emails were sent out on Friday, April 30th. If you didn't get one, please email me at fowler.alan@newton.k12.ga.us. Thanks for being part of our team. Take care, and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
29 March 2021
I should probably update this more frequently, but honestly, not much is new - The Eastside Band is still a great thing to be a part of and I am still excited about OUR kids. We have lots of things planned as we emerge from Spring Break into the rest of the Spring. Right now, the thing to do is to get signed-up for #TPOE26. The form will go out Tuesday, 3/30.
Stay tuned! Hang in there. And thank you to everyone who helped sell drinks this past month and to all
the students and parents who helped on Saturday with Coke delivery and pick-up.
Also, we are trying to get a new hashtag started. It is #SOAR! Please use it as we emerge from this crazy last year into the future. The Eagles and TPOE will #SOAR!
Take care, and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
25 January 2021
It has been a crazy 10 months. But I must say, I do think we made the most of the fall. These last few weeks have not been what I had planned -- as evidenced by how little is on The TPOE Calendar. Normally, this time of year, the band calendar would be filled with rehearsals and other things through Spring Break … at least. That said, there is no reason for us not to look up and have the band and the band members soar into the spring. We just need to get going!
First, we had 16 kids sign up to audition for the District Honor Band and All-State. 12 of those worked, completed their videos, and submitted them. And of those 12, we had six selected for the District 4 Honor Band and three of those scored high enough to audition next month at the state level. Let’s congratulate: Percussionists - Trevor Hay, Bennett Walker, & Nathan Walsh. And Clarinetists - Dakota Cooper, Anyah Dawson, & Kenneth Fray. And let’s hear it for Dakota, Anyah, and Nathan -- who need to get busy preparing for that 2nd Round.
While we do not know how (or if) District Honor Band will operate, this is the time of year that we typically really get rolling with our push toward LGPE. To be completely honest, I have been out of sync these last few weeks not knowing how to prepare for an LGPE that our District doesn’t plan to have happen. Well, last week, I figured it out and before I left Friday, I went and talked it over with Mr. Cher.
Here’s the plan - Two Bands: The Wind Ensemble & The Symphonic Concert Band will prepare for LGPE. The Wind Ensemble will consist of 4th Period, plus some percussionists from 1st and 5th Periods, as well as a few additional people from 1st Period. And the Symphonic Concert Band will be comprised of everyone else. I am not sure when that second group will be able to get together, but the Wind Ensemble will begin rehearsing, socially-distanced in the auditorium next Tuesday evening. I’ve said all along that bands and band directors know about having performances on the horizon as achievable goals, and I believe we all need that! So, get ready. We will kick off rehearsing those tunes starting Wednesday.
Next up - We plan to have two Marching Band Student planning sessions in just a couple of weeks, assuming we will be back in school: Monday afternoon, February 8th. We will hold a planning session with all the Colorguard Vets who want to be part of next year’s group. It’s time we get started looking ahead with the Colorguard. Then on Thursday afternoon, February 11th, we will have a session with the Band Officers and Section leaders, as well as students who would like to be officers. That will also be after school, socially distanced in the auditorium.
Finally, we are planning a special outdoor Spring Concert. The plan is for it to take place on Tuesday, May 11th at Sharp Stadium. Stay tuned as we move forward toward the spring.
And, please never lose sight of how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being part of OUR band. I told the folks at the Booster Meeting on Monday night that I love band, I love supportive and helpful parents -- Heck! I love parents who want their kids to be in band -- and I love band kids. Y’all, it really is about the kids and helping set them on a path for success with music as part of their lives. Thanks again. GO BAND!
3 September 2020
Here's a fun Welcome to Open House Video ... Enjoy! (The countdown timer is just for fun.)
14 August 2020
Here's that sad Activities Have Been Suspended Video ... But, at least it only lasted a week! GO BAND!
5 June 2020 Good morning,
In the light of everything going on in the world and across the country and here locally, I wanted you all to know I have been thinking about you. How could I not? Last week was special! Getting to see so many of the kids was terrific, and then this week we were hit with the reality that we will not be getting together for our normal Tuesday evenings in June and our plans for Band Camp remain up in the air. I am still hoping the county allows some type of “conditioning” sessions later in the month, but we are on hold as we await word from the school system.
After weeks and weeks of being tied to the computer and Zoom meetings and sessions, I took a break from actual band work and did some other things, but I cannot stop thinking about you all and what you are experiencing. Mrs. F, Katie Beth, and I went to vote Tuesday and then attended the peaceful protest on the square. I visited with several members of our community and even sat and talked with a man who was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with Dr. King. His take on things and mine were in sync. There have been some deep conversations, within our house and with others, about what is taking place and I keep coming back to this:
Eastside HS is "No Place for Hate" and so is the Eastside Band Room. WE ARE FAMILY! Listen to each other. Support each other. Stand up for each other. And most importantly -- BE KIND TO EACH OTHER!
That’s me. It’s 100% me. And if I have ever not made that clear, I apologize. I will do better.
Next week you will hear from me about T-shirts, section leaders, and music, and I will get back to marching band recruiting. But as I sit here this morning, I hope you all know how thankful I am that we have chosen to have music play an important role in our lives. Making music has always been and will always be special, and making it with our friends and with people we care about is even more so. I would not be who am without you all in my life.
Have a good weekend! And -- Go Band!
-Mr. F
1 May 2020
Parents and Students:
Hopefully you are all doing well during all of this corona-ness and while we are all experiencing this somewhat unreal situation. I am so looking forward to getting the band back together and welcoming new members later this summer.
First, I want to welcome you to The Pride of Eastside Band Family! I have been looking forward to marching seasons since I was a kid and I am not going to let COVID-19 stop me. But I do expect this one is going to be different. In talking with the Band Booster Officers the other day, we believe the best thing to do is to plan for band as we know it and adjust from there.
There are so many things I want to write and share, but I am going to keep it short and bulleted, this time. Please read what’s here. Dues cover all sorts of band related expenses and I truly believe our kids get tremendous value for their dollar. Please do not let money cause anyone to miss out on band.
May is indeed TPOE Marching Band Registration Month.
Here are the links to the forms you will need to do in order:
-Mr. F
Mid-March, 2020
Y'all. this whole COVID-19 situation is something none of us have ever experienced and together, we will get through it. As a band director, I know i miss my kids and cannot wait to see everyone. I know that musically, I hope kids will just play. Make music! Enjoy making music! Please don't forget how.
As a parent, these weeks are going to different for us too. Please know that Mrs. Fowler and I are here and will do whatever you all need from us.
Take care. And GO BAND!
- Mr. F
January 29, 2020
Good Evening, Eastside Band Parents & Students.
Hopefully your 2020 is off to a great start; I cannot believe it is almost February already! We have had a busy month and I apologize for not sending out more information. Here is what is on the horizon:
Also, the Solo & Ensemble Deadline is next week. Do ask your child tomorrow and this weekend about their participation in Solo & Ensemble. It is a great event at which kids perform solos or as part of small ensembles and get evaluated by judges.
Additionally, due to some scheduling conflicts, it looks like our Band Bandquet and Spring Band Concert Extravaganza will switch dates. The Bandquet will now take place on Tuesday, May 5th, and the Spring Concert will happen on Friday evening, May 8th. In the next day or two, those corrected dates will be adjusted on our various calendars.
And finally -- Attached you will find the TPOE Summer 2020 Schedule, as well as the Fall 2020 Football and Band Contest Schedule. Check them out! This is the EARLIEST this information has ever been made available. Please put the pertinent events in your calendar!
Things are shaping up for this to be a terrific spring and next year should be awesome. Please stay-tuned via our website (www.prideofeastside.org) and let me know if you have any questions. Parents -- Please add the Band Booster Meeting on February 25th at 6:30pm to your calendar; it will be worth attending!.
Thank you, and again, I am so glad you are part of our band.
Kindly,
-Mr. F
October 31, 2019
This may be a complete long shot, but I woke up with the idea that it would be neat if we could have some candy for the kids at the end of practice today. I so wish I had thought of it in time for me to go to the store last night, but I figure it will not hurt to ask.
If any of you could possibly bring some treats of some type (cheap candy would be fine with me) to the end of our Halloween marching band rehearsal, I am confident the kids would appreciate it.
We will finish out back around 4:40 if the weather cooperates and all goes well. If some of y'all could meet out back with some candy at 4:30, that would be great!
On another note - We have everyone involved in a Fall Concert next Tuesday at 7pm. The bands that will be playing are the Concert Band (2nd, 4th, & 6th Periods), Symphonic Band (1st Period), and of course, the Marching Band! It should be a great time!
Thanks again for teh support, and I know if anyone could help today it will be greatly appreciated.
Have a terrific October 31st. (I can't believe the year is flying by so quickly!)
-Mr. F
October 21, 2019
Good morning, TPOE People -
It is the start of a full week here at Eastside and our last "serious" week of dealing with the show. After this week, our attention turns toward the Fall Concerts and a number of other things as we continue through the year.
For this week: The 3 MB Rehearsals are huge. And the contest Saturday is big! Please see the website for a detailed itinerary.
We have worked out feeding the band on Saturday, and parents, we ask that if you are able, please bring/send in a case of waters. Mr. Fowler and Ms. Lyons have been buying cases of water throughout the season to help the kids and if everyone who could brought in a case of water, we'd be set. We could certainly use them Friday and Saturday.
Also, please note the rehearsals change beginning next week: On Monday 10/28, we'll have our last Full Band Monday rehearsal, Tuesday evening 10/29 will shift to a Wind Ensemble Rehearsal, and there will be a Concert Band (2nd, 4th, & 6th Periods) will rehearse on Wednesday 10/30. And the MB rehearsal on Halloween will be short - we'll finish by 5pm.
Then the Concert and Symphonic Bands will rehearse on Monday 11/4, followed by the Fall Concert on Tuesday evening 11/5. Those two bands plus the full MB will be part of that. The Wind Ensemble has an additional concert scheduled with the Newton Co. Community Band on Monday, November 11th - Veterans' Day. If you can help us fit concert uniforms during the day, that would be a huge help.
Have a great day! And thank you for being such an important part of what we do here at Eastside High School. GO BAND!
-Mr. F
October 10, 2019
Hello Eastside Band People - Please do read all of this; we don't send a lot of emails and there is some good stuff here ...
Hopefully everyone has had a terrific Fall Break. I look forward to seeing all the marching band folks who are in town tomorrow for the HUGE football game that will happen at Sharp Stadium. UNIFORM UPDATE: We WILL be wearing them. But underneath, please wear either the BLACK TPOE t-shirt OR a PINK t-shirt, if you have one. (It does not need to be a TPOE pink one; any pink shirt will be OK.
Next, with Fall Break upon us, we REALLY need help in the concessions. Please call or text or email Christy Lyons - 404-414-7294 or lyons.christy@newton.k12.ga.us
Special T-shirtSale Update: In addition to some various types of TPOE apparel available, we have the following. Just stop by the band room before the game and get yours. (First come, first served.) You may email Mr. F (fowler.alan@newton.k12.g.us) if you'd like to have it pulled and ready for you. Heck! We could use a parent to handle this tomorrow beginning at 4:45. Let us know if you're interested.
The Gift Show Shirts ($20)
2 - Smalls
2 - Mediums
3 - Large
1 - XL
(These are the final ones of these available, EVER!)
Colorful TPOE Moisture Wicking T-shirts
Long Sleeve
3 - XL Iron Gray
Short Sleeve
1 - Small Red
1 - XL Gold
Finally, after the break, we are gearing up for three significant performances:
The Marching Band Contest in Warner Robins on Saturday, Oct. 26th. We anticipate learning our performance time early next week. Stay Tuned!
Fall Concert for the Symphonic & Concert Bands on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5th. This is also the day of the first-ever teacher workday for Election Day. The calendar dictated that we needed the concert this night and it should be nice. This concert will be at 7:30pm in our auditorium.
Fall Concert for the Wind Ensemble in conjunction with the Newton County Community Band on Veterans' Day, Monday, Nov. 11th. This concert will also be at 7:30pm.
*If there are parents who could help us with concert uniforms during the next few weeks, please let us know. This can be done during the day should any parents have some time available.
That is a lot of information, but it boils down to this -- Thanks for being part of our band. What we have is special, and I enjoy getting to make music with kids. But seeing the kids learn, grow, and develop as people and as musicians is really what it's all about. The parents who help make it all happen are absolutely priceless. Thank you!
Good night, and please - if at all possible - come on and help in the concessions tomorrow night.
Kindly,
Mr. F
September 22, 2019
Good evening, TPOE People.
Great job at Homecoming last Friday and at our Super Saturday Rehearsal yesterday. The goal always been to make improvements at each and every rehearsal, and yesterday we did just that. Thank you!
Here is the link to the Weekly Band Agenda where you will see all the details for the week:
http://prideofeastside.org/weekly-agenda.html
There you will see a link to The Oconee Classic Band Contest website. (I'd insert that link here, but we really need you to visit the WBA.) Parents and families are invited to attend. One reason that we have now performed in Milledgeville for several years in a row is that this contest is one of the closer ones to Covington and we always have a good representation of TPOE fans. Bands begin performing in the early afternoon, and we will take the field at 6pm.
This week does have a special Friday afternoon "Dress Rehearsal" afterwhich we will load the equipment trailers, making our Saturday a little easier.
Finally, this week also includes the deadline for students to register for the All-State / District Honor Band Auditions. See me if you need a form.
Thank you again for being a part of our band. The longer I teach and the longer I live, the more I realize every day truly is a gift. And I am so glad I get to spend mine making music with kids.
Have a great week, and -- GO BAND!
-Mr. F
September 18, 2019
Hello, Band Students & Parents.
All Fall I have been speaking to the classes about the District Honor Band and All-State Auditions. The deadline to sign-up is next week and I wanted to make sure everyone had ample time to get registered. Both All-State & DHB are terrific opportunities for band students across the state, and I know every year we have students who are capable of playing with the best in the state, but they have no chance because they do not try-out.
Please read the attached flyer. (It's in the email & the Remind.) and let me know the first of next week if you plan to try-pout or to have you child try-out. (If your child needs a hard copy, I will gladly print one for them.)
Thank you! Have a great Thursday, and marching band folks please remember our Special Saturday Rehearsal from 8:30am til Noon.
Also, thank you to everyone has helped thus far to make the marching band a success. From the games to the performance in Athens Tuesday evening, we are on track for this to be a terrific year. It was tough watching the team lose the first two games, but I have been proud of how TPOE has delivered at each game.
Homecoming this week is always a little different; we won't be doing our show and we will have several alumni come and hang out with us in the stands. Next week we will have a regular week of rehearsals, plus the Friday afternoon "Dress Rehearsal". Then on Saturday we will head to Milledgeville for the first official marching contest of the season. Expect to hear from me this weekend or Monday about the exact schedule. We have yet to be notified of our performance time; hopefully we will hear soon. I expect us to perform in the late afternoon or early evening.
Thanks again for being part of TPOE. Take care and Go Band!.
-Mr. F
September 11, 2019
Good evening, TPOE Band Members & Parents -
It's been a busy fall thus far and as we approach our first Friday without a game in several weeks, I thought I would reach out with an update and share some information about next week. First, expect for the website to be updated with next week's Weekly Band Agenda some time tomorrow (Thursday) evening. There you'll be able to see a detailed itinerary for Tuesday's trip to Athens for the North East Georgia Marching Exhibition. at Cedar Shoals HS on the east side of Athens I'll hit the highlights below.
The Gift Show Shirts are in - if you ordered and have yet to pay, please get that in and come by and get your shirts. We can also send them home with students.) $20 per shirt or 3 for $50.
Next, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has helped with concessions, equipment, chaperoning, uniforms, and so much more ... We couldn't do it with out you.
The event in Athens is open to the public, and parents are invited to attend. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, students, and senior citizens. There are 10 high school bands performing plus the UGA Redcoat Band. TPOE will perform at 7:45.
We will leave Tuesday after school. The band members need to plan to stay. We will get organized and depart as soon as the busses arrive. Our plan is to get to Cedar Shoals and eat as we watch the first few bands. We will then warm-up, perform, pack-p and get back in the stands to watch The Redcoats.
There will be concessions, as well as Redcoat and NEGME merchandise available to purchase (cash only).
And finally, The Band Boosters will be taking care of feeding the band members Tuesday evening. We will take orders throughout the day tomorrow and Friday and the people at Cedar Shoals plan to have the food ready when we arrive.
Our choices are:
Parent/chaperones who are planning on riding with us can order one of the combos, just email me before noon Friday and then plan to send or bring in $5.
That should cover most of it. Thanks for being part of what we do. And please encourage your band member to sign-up and try-out for District Honor Band & All-State.
Have a nice rest of the week and don't forget Early Release Friday!
Go Band!
Mr. F
August 29, 2019 Newton Week TPOE Update & Picture News
Hello, Eastside Band People -
We are enjoying our last "regular" week for quite some time. The next few each have something special occurring, so please take a look at the calendar. Highlights are listed below.
But first, I wanted to share that when I approached Lifetouch about the problems with some of the pictures - Missing Pictures, Incorrect Names, even one set of Incorrect Pictures - I was given an 800 number to share with you. Here is that number: 1-800-244-4373. I suspect having the TPOE Band Picture Day Code handy would help: EVT8ZJ2ZT
Hopefully, that will help you get what you need. (There are still some pictures at the band room.)
Next, thank you to everyone who has helped by working band camp, helping with the uniforms and t-shirts, chaperoning, working concessions, helping with construction, engineering, and transporting equipment, and so much more ... We could not do it without you!
The Show Shirts have been ordered and I hope they are here by next Frday, but I have been "guaranteed" they will be here by the 10th. Thank you for ordering so many.
Finally, the Band Camp Fundraiser is still ongoing. Please ask your band member about it, and let's Go Eagles! And Go Band! Beat Newton!
Here are the aforementioned highlights of the 4 weeks in September.
A word from Mr. Fowler...
May 8, 2019
This needs to be update more often, but this video is worthy of watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J7nDH5oPn4&t=6s
We've had a terrific year and are busy preparing for 2019-20, while working toward sending off our Seniors terrifically at Commencement 2019 on Saturday, May 25th.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Go Band!
September 29, 2018
I really need to update this page more often, but here we are at the middle of #tpoe23's season and I figure this is as good a time as any. What a fall! The Eagles are demolishing the opponents on their schedule and the band is also off to a great start.
It's no secret I stay excited about band and it should come as no surprise I hold dear to my heart people who like being a part of the band. Well, this fall we seem to have a lot of kids who love being part of TPOE. Our show is our best ever and the kids are working to "make it better"! I'll take it.
We had a terrific 8th Grade Stand Jam and the prospects for the future look good. But the rest of this year should be great too. As I like to say, GO BAND! Please stay up to date with regard to the calendar, and - Band Members: Practice!
- Mr. F
February 15, 2018
It's been a busy winter and we have a lot happening in and around the Eastside Band Room. Tonight we kick-off the start of #tpoe23 as we welcome 8th graders and their parents to Eastside. Our LGPE rehearsals are going well and next week we have some terrific things lined-up after Winter Break!
Thanks for being part of what we do.
Go Band!
October 7, 2017
We've made it to Fall Break and I wanted to thank everyone who has worked to make our band what it is - from the kids and parents to the staff and other supporters. From the peanut stand to the grills we've got great people helping us!
It really does take a lot to put a band together. While Gabby was conducting TPOE and the Stand Hammers in the stands last night and I went over to talk to our visiting band director, I thought about what I saw across the field in the home stands. It was impressive! Then the show was our best yet; sure it is not perfect and there are things that need cleaning up, but it really was terrific!
In the press box at halftime, I thought about the truck drivers, props crew, and chaperones and Mr. Clark working hard. I thought about the wonderful people getting it done in (and behind) the concession stand. I thought about the Booster officers who do so much and the fact we hired a composer and drillwriter who delivered outstanding products for us. (This is our fourth year of playing Randall Standridge's music and marching to Heath Jones' drill, and undoubtedly TPOE is better than five years ago.)
And then I thought about the kids. The ones in our band today, the ones out there in the "real world" getting it done as adults (some of whom are working w/ us - Thank you Ben, Chase, Shannon, Victoria, and of course Mr. Clark.), and the ones yet to make their way to Eastside - the band members of the future. I thought of the kids who've gone on to be part of college bands - from UGA to Mercer, Georgia Southern to Georgia State, and Albany State to Auburn, and so many others. And it doesn't go without mention I think about the quitters who miss out in so much.
Band is special! I hope you all know that. I, for one, will never forget it! To get to be part of your lives is special, but having you all be part of mine and my family's is the real joy. Thank you!
Have a great Fall Break! We have a big week ahead once we get back. The marching band will head to Warner Robins to compete in a history-rich contest we've never attended, and then we'll get ready for our first-ever Halloween Concert!
I expect to be able to update the website Monday. We have a big game Friday! So check out reporting times and so forth for Friday.
Thanks again. Parents - We could use another truck driver volunteer, or two, if you are able. Please let me know if you're interested. And if there are volunteer skills you'd like to offer and just haven't been asked, let us know that too.
Take care, have a great break, stay safe, and Go Band!
Mr. F
May 25, 2017
A full year of school - Check. Band Banquet - Check. The Graduation Band is ready for Saturday - Check! Pool Party in the works for tonight. One final goodbye to our #TPOE21 Class of 2017 Seniors is on tap for Saturday. All that's left is to fully crank-up #TPOE22.
Please get those deposits in. The 2017-18 MB Fees are $275 for Rookies and $225 for Vets. We start-up on Monday afternoon June the 5th with the Band Leadership Team and then Thursday June 8th with the full band. Get on board!
As for the final thoughts on 2016-17 - It's been a special year and the band has continued to improve in so many ways. But for me, the band director who is also a father of one of our seniors, saying goodbye this time is more difficult than ever. But I can honestly say, the band is better off today than when Katie Beth's class began band in the 6th grade and we have come a long way since they came on board as freshman just four short years ago.
Band is special! Thank you to our kids and parents for being part of it.
GO BAND!
End of April, 2017
It's been a great year and a lot of music has been band here in Covington and across the country. Next year is shaping-up to be tremendous! Get on board with #TPOE22.
Up next - Middle School Visitation Days, The Spring Concert, Graduation Band Rehearsals, Drumline Try-outs, The Band Banquet, The Pool Party, Graduation, Memorial Day, and then the summer. Please stay aware of the calendar and teh Weekly Band Agenda.
Thanks for being part of our band and our Band Boosters! Don't miss Tuesday, May 2nd at 7pm.
End of Football Season
"Congratulations TPOE! Great job this season; it is so nice to know we ended the contest season with a truly terrific run of our "Around the World in 8 Minutes" show. We made it better all fall and we wrap this one up having achieved more than any of the previous 20 editions -- Three contests and three sets of Superiors. Thank you, #TPOE21 ... While there is a lot to do and experience the rest of this year, I can tell you honestly, I look forward to what #TPOE22 will be able to do. GO BAND!"
And here is what he had to say after the play-off loss:
"What a terrific season was had by #TPOE21 ... I so hate to see it end. The Eagles fought valiantly but ultimately came up short, losing 24-17 to Spalding. Of the 21 editions of TPOE, this one exceeded the others in so many ways! All of our seniors since that first graduating class in 1998 have been special to me, but this crowd is something else. The year is not over (just the football season), but they should know what they mean to me will stay with me forever! I love you guys ... Thank you! I'll post more tomorrow, but tonight, I'll lay my head down proud of the TPOE Class of 2017. (I hate John couldn't be with us the entire evening, but I'm glad he stayed as long as he could, and I missed Christian.) Good night, and GO BAND!"
4.23.2016
As you can see, I got a little behind on updating the Director's Note. I need to do better. The spring is here and it will be"Marching Band Season" before we know it. Do check out the website, and check back here for more soon.
Thank you to all who helped make our 1st-ever Small Ensemble Concert successful. Let's continue to raise the bar!
The Symphonic Band @ Georgia State was fantastic! Thank you one and all.
Congratulations to the members of the 2016-17 EHS TPOE Colorguard!
Emily Adams, Dakota Aycox, Lauren Cumming, Mary Edwards, Rebekah Emerson, Katie Beth Fowler, Corene Fuller, Saniyya Fulton, Shannon Harper, Kaitlyn Hegwood, Alyssa Huie, Abby Lang, Bryson Mahaffey, Lizzie Massey, Lily Mayfield, Lila McGiboney, Caitlin McGowan, Kiara McKay, Anna Mendoza, Emily Mendoza, Ivy Shepherd, Remington Warthen, Anna White, and Ansley White
LGPE was AMAZING!!! Thank you to EVERYONE who made it happen ...
Check out the TPOE youtube channel & our LGPE 2016 "Playlist":
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNu_TKaDfK0E3ZLuAylxHOFJ0173VmNKS
11.9.2015
Well, the football season is over and Man! do I wish we had another game. As I have said publicly, by every measure, this year's edition of TPOE was by far our best EVER! And that is in no way a knock on our previos years' bands; it's just a tribute to us successfully "Raising the Bar." The band definitely gave me, and so many others, plenty of reason to SMILE!
With 35 seniors, the end of the marching season is particularly sad and I know we will n\miss each of them as the rest of us gear up for next year's TPOE MB. That said, we have a lot to which we can look forward. Football may be over for the year, but "Band Season" is year-round.
Next up we have The Fruit Sale, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Break, The Christmas Parade, The Holiday Concert, All-State Auditions, Tuba Christmas and then the end of the semester. (And that's all before Christmas Break.)
Right now we need to be busy selling fruit and practicing. There is a short turn-around between our highly successful, much enjoyed Fall Concert and the Eastside Band & Chorus Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 10th. So please stay "in-tune" via our website and be at the necessary rehearsals.
Thank you for being a part of our TPOE Band family and let's keep "raising the bar."
-Mr. F
8.2.2015
Welcome back! The school year has started, and TPOE has been busy for more than a couple of weeks putting together what will be our best show EVER! Don't forget that high school band is about far more than just marching band and football season. Check out our website and you'll get a glimpse of what all is happening in and around the band room. GO EAGLES! And GO BAND!
-Mr. F
3.25.15 (Football schedule updated 3.29)
Lot's of exciting things are happening around Eastside. The word is out this evening that we have a new head football coach - Congratulations Coach Hoff! Colorguard Try-outs are about to start and we are in the planning stages of an amazing trip (or really two). We are also planning a great fall show and I wanted to share the football schedule with everyone for the Fall of 2015.
Here it is:
2015 EHS Varsity Football Schedule & Band Contest Dates
(CONFIRMED 8.2.2015)
DATE OPPONENT
Aug. 14 Scrimmage vs. Newton @ Sharp
Aug. 20 (Thurs.) Home Scrimmage versus Westminster
Aug. 28 Alcovy (H) @ Sharp
Sept. 4 Madison County @ Sharp
Sept. 11 Griffin* @ Sharp
Sept. 17 (Thurs.) Jonesboro* @ 12 Oaks (Lovejoy)
Sept. 19 (Sat.) Marching Band Festival in Cochran, Georgia
Sept. 26 (Saturday) Eagle's Landing* @ Sharp (HOMECOMING)
Oct. 2 OPEN
Saturday, 10/3 Band Contest @ THOMSON HIGH SCHOOL
Oct. 9 Locust Grove* @ Locust Grove
Saturday, 10/10 Band Contest @ EAST JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL
Oct. 16 Henry County* @ Sharp
FALL BREAK - The Week of Oct. 19th (There is an away game this week.)
Oct. 23 Hampton* @ Hampton
Oct. 30 Walnut Grove* @ Walnut Grove
Nov. 6 Region Play-In Game** Location TBA (Likely AWAY)
*Region 4-AAAA Contest
**Region Play-In Game will determine play-off teams 1-4.
GO BAND! GO EAGLES!
1.11.15
Sorry for the long delay between "Director's Notes." Things have been pretty busy and there are some terrific times ahead for TPOE. Please plan now for a couple of things - Saturday, Feb. 21st: The Annual Concert Band & Symphonic Band Mini-Camp (We bring in specialists to help us prepare our LGPE program) and The TPOE 2015 Summer Band Camp - The Week of July 20th.
Stay tuned and keep enjoying, contributing to, and making our band program what it is.
GO BAND!
11.19.14
Hello TPOE Band People - (Please read, but there is an entertaining like embedded in the text - Enjoy ... And PRACTICE!)
We do have a marching band rehearsal this Thursday, and I promise we will finish before 5. (Many of us are involved either at The Square for the Lighting or at the school for Oklahoma in the evening. Break-a-leg, people!)
I am about to update the website with details about Friday. So check there soon.
Also, it is not too late to turn in fruit orders. If you have a physical order to turn in, please get it to the band room by Friday afternoon. Emails can be sent in until Sunday.
And finally, December is right around the corner. Please check the website for the upcoming schedule. We have had a number of folks help us with the concert uniforms, and I do want to publicly thank them. The concert will be Monday night December 15th at the old Newton HS. For new folks - we do our holiday concert with the Eastside Choruses and it is a huge event. You will not want to miss it.
So, in closing, rehearsal Thursday, GO EAGLES Friday, Have a great Thanksgiving, practice - here's a great video that might inspire someone to take home an instrument - and be ready for a full and fun December. The parade is Saturday, Dec. 6th, All-State Auditions are the next Saturday, and Tuba Christmas is Sunday the 14th.
Thanks.
-Mr. F
9.14.14
Hello TPOE people,
Thus far, the year is flying by. We are nearly one-third of the way through the football season, we're halfway through September and the marching band contests will be here before we know it.
So far the band has done well and things are coming along nicely with the show. This week is Homecoming at Eastside which means there will be lots of distractions and we won't get to march our entire show Friday. That said, we do plan on doing some special things on the field that you will not want to miss.
Please continue to get those band fee payments in and if you are a band student - PRACTICE! If you're a parent, please encourage your band member to practice.
Have a great week! And plan for our upcoming Saturdays: Band Contests on September 27th & October 4th and Home Games on October 11th & November 1st.
Also, be sure to visit www.acgraphicshop.com/tpoe and use the coupon code "TPOE14" to get FREE shipping. The FREE shipping is available between now and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st. All items ordered with the coupon code will be sent to the school. After the 21st you will still be able to purchase items, however you will have to pay shipping and they will be sent directly to you.
Good night and GO BAND!
What a (short) summer! Well, it's here -- The 2021-22 School Year. There is a ton of information here on our website, and one of my goals is to get folks to utilize it. I promise the WBA and the Homepage will be more accurate and more frequently updated than EVER, as well as our Google Calendar. Please check those out.
But, most importantly, thank you for being part of OUR band. This year, we plan to not only #SOAR, but rather SOARING into a new building and a new era for the TPOE Eagle Bands! I am so glad you will be here for it. Mr. Clark, Ms. Stoddard, T-Bark, Mrs. F, and I are excited about what the new year will bring. Band Camp was great and so should be August. Let's Go band!
All the best,
Mr. F
--------------------------------------------------
14 May 2021
Hello, TPOE Band Folks. I sent this information out to Rising 9th Graders yesterday, but there is some good information for everyone. Please check it out:
If we thought we were zipping right along toward the end of April, we are now in full-on snowball mode. The summer will be here before we know it! And it is going to fly by too.
I wanted to share three pieces of information:
*REMIND SIGN-UPS*
Parents and students. Please make sure you are in the correct Remind group and are receiving messages.
Simply text the correct graduation year code to the number 81010. Here are the class codes: @25TPOE, @24TPOE, @23TPOE, or @22TPOE. That is the easiest way for me to get information to you.
**BAND FUN NIGHT, THURS., MAY 20th**
Please plan to join us this coming Thursday evening from 5-8pm (5/20). We were not able to have our "Hype Day" event in the fall, and I still have the "Hype Day" t-shirts to give you. We will have a fun marching band evening from 5-8pm (and we will feed you). The sign-up link will drop this weekend on out website and then I will send it out Monday morning.
***SUMMER HEALTH/PE & SPANISH INFORMATION***
And finally, over the last several years, the school system has figured out that offering Spanish and Health/PE during the summers enables students to enjoy more electives during the school year. My own daughter took health and PE during the summer and loved it. This year, those summer offerings will be all virtual and the school system just released the information today: SUMMER PE/HEALTH & SPANISH INFORMATION - CLICK HERE (<<<That right there is a hot link--Check it out. <<<) I have been waiting for this information and wanted to get it to you as soon as possible. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the concert last week and to the percussionists who have been coming out on Monday evenings. Please join us next Thursday. And do make sure you are in that Remind group.
Have a great afternoon!
Kindly,
Mr. F
DON'T MISS THE WEEKLY BAND AGENDA
----------------------------------------------
2 May 2021
The end of this crazy school year will be here before we know it. As we say goodbye to the Class of 2021, we will also find ourselves busy getting ready for what's next.
The next thing for the band members is the big Spring Concert Extravaganza which is scheduled for 7pm on Tuesday, May 11th at Sharp Stadium. Parents and other friends and supporters should bring lawn chairs, because the band members will be playing from the concrete home stands and the crowd will be socially distanced on the field. We will also recognize our seniors and some outstanding TPOE members. You won't want to miss this one!
Please be sure you are receiving Remind messages. It's easy to join. Simply text one of the codes
below to the number 81010. Choose your graduation year: @21tpoe, @22tpoe, @23tpoe, @24tpoe, or @25tpoe.
Important emails were sent out on Friday, April 30th. If you didn't get one, please email me at fowler.alan@newton.k12.ga.us. Thanks for being part of our team. Take care, and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
29 March 2021
I should probably update this more frequently, but honestly, not much is new - The Eastside Band is still a great thing to be a part of and I am still excited about OUR kids. We have lots of things planned as we emerge from Spring Break into the rest of the Spring. Right now, the thing to do is to get signed-up for #TPOE26. The form will go out Tuesday, 3/30.
Stay tuned! Hang in there. And thank you to everyone who helped sell drinks this past month and to all
the students and parents who helped on Saturday with Coke delivery and pick-up.
Also, we are trying to get a new hashtag started. It is #SOAR! Please use it as we emerge from this crazy last year into the future. The Eagles and TPOE will #SOAR!
Take care, and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
25 January 2021
It has been a crazy 10 months. But I must say, I do think we made the most of the fall. These last few weeks have not been what I had planned -- as evidenced by how little is on The TPOE Calendar. Normally, this time of year, the band calendar would be filled with rehearsals and other things through Spring Break … at least. That said, there is no reason for us not to look up and have the band and the band members soar into the spring. We just need to get going!
First, we had 16 kids sign up to audition for the District Honor Band and All-State. 12 of those worked, completed their videos, and submitted them. And of those 12, we had six selected for the District 4 Honor Band and three of those scored high enough to audition next month at the state level. Let’s congratulate: Percussionists - Trevor Hay, Bennett Walker, & Nathan Walsh. And Clarinetists - Dakota Cooper, Anyah Dawson, & Kenneth Fray. And let’s hear it for Dakota, Anyah, and Nathan -- who need to get busy preparing for that 2nd Round.
While we do not know how (or if) District Honor Band will operate, this is the time of year that we typically really get rolling with our push toward LGPE. To be completely honest, I have been out of sync these last few weeks not knowing how to prepare for an LGPE that our District doesn’t plan to have happen. Well, last week, I figured it out and before I left Friday, I went and talked it over with Mr. Cher.
Here’s the plan - Two Bands: The Wind Ensemble & The Symphonic Concert Band will prepare for LGPE. The Wind Ensemble will consist of 4th Period, plus some percussionists from 1st and 5th Periods, as well as a few additional people from 1st Period. And the Symphonic Concert Band will be comprised of everyone else. I am not sure when that second group will be able to get together, but the Wind Ensemble will begin rehearsing, socially-distanced in the auditorium next Tuesday evening. I’ve said all along that bands and band directors know about having performances on the horizon as achievable goals, and I believe we all need that! So, get ready. We will kick off rehearsing those tunes starting Wednesday.
Next up - We plan to have two Marching Band Student planning sessions in just a couple of weeks, assuming we will be back in school: Monday afternoon, February 8th. We will hold a planning session with all the Colorguard Vets who want to be part of next year’s group. It’s time we get started looking ahead with the Colorguard. Then on Thursday afternoon, February 11th, we will have a session with the Band Officers and Section leaders, as well as students who would like to be officers. That will also be after school, socially distanced in the auditorium.
Finally, we are planning a special outdoor Spring Concert. The plan is for it to take place on Tuesday, May 11th at Sharp Stadium. Stay tuned as we move forward toward the spring.
And, please never lose sight of how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being part of OUR band. I told the folks at the Booster Meeting on Monday night that I love band, I love supportive and helpful parents -- Heck! I love parents who want their kids to be in band -- and I love band kids. Y’all, it really is about the kids and helping set them on a path for success with music as part of their lives. Thanks again. GO BAND!
3 September 2020
Here's a fun Welcome to Open House Video ... Enjoy! (The countdown timer is just for fun.)
14 August 2020
Here's that sad Activities Have Been Suspended Video ... But, at least it only lasted a week! GO BAND!
5 June 2020 Good morning,
In the light of everything going on in the world and across the country and here locally, I wanted you all to know I have been thinking about you. How could I not? Last week was special! Getting to see so many of the kids was terrific, and then this week we were hit with the reality that we will not be getting together for our normal Tuesday evenings in June and our plans for Band Camp remain up in the air. I am still hoping the county allows some type of “conditioning” sessions later in the month, but we are on hold as we await word from the school system.
After weeks and weeks of being tied to the computer and Zoom meetings and sessions, I took a break from actual band work and did some other things, but I cannot stop thinking about you all and what you are experiencing. Mrs. F, Katie Beth, and I went to vote Tuesday and then attended the peaceful protest on the square. I visited with several members of our community and even sat and talked with a man who was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma with Dr. King. His take on things and mine were in sync. There have been some deep conversations, within our house and with others, about what is taking place and I keep coming back to this:
Eastside HS is "No Place for Hate" and so is the Eastside Band Room. WE ARE FAMILY! Listen to each other. Support each other. Stand up for each other. And most importantly -- BE KIND TO EACH OTHER!
That’s me. It’s 100% me. And if I have ever not made that clear, I apologize. I will do better.
Next week you will hear from me about T-shirts, section leaders, and music, and I will get back to marching band recruiting. But as I sit here this morning, I hope you all know how thankful I am that we have chosen to have music play an important role in our lives. Making music has always been and will always be special, and making it with our friends and with people we care about is even more so. I would not be who am without you all in my life.
Have a good weekend! And -- Go Band!
-Mr. F
1 May 2020
Parents and Students:
Hopefully you are all doing well during all of this corona-ness and while we are all experiencing this somewhat unreal situation. I am so looking forward to getting the band back together and welcoming new members later this summer.
First, I want to welcome you to The Pride of Eastside Band Family! I have been looking forward to marching seasons since I was a kid and I am not going to let COVID-19 stop me. But I do expect this one is going to be different. In talking with the Band Booster Officers the other day, we believe the best thing to do is to plan for band as we know it and adjust from there.
There are so many things I want to write and share, but I am going to keep it short and bulleted, this time. Please read what’s here. Dues cover all sorts of band related expenses and I truly believe our kids get tremendous value for their dollar. Please do not let money cause anyone to miss out on band.
May is indeed TPOE Marching Band Registration Month.
- Get your registration completed and get the deposit in by the end of May, and you will receive one of the special TPOE Colorful Moisture-wicking T-shirts for free.
- There are three (3) steps we need you to complete.
- The links below will take you to each.
- Knocking this out will help us prepare for Band Camp.
Here are the links to the forms you will need to do in order:
- Clothing size and contact information - Student Info Form
- Letter of intent - Click here for the MB Commitment Form
- Read the Charms tutorial & set-up/verify your Charms account - Setting Up Your Charms Account
Looking forward to a great 2020 season! Please reach out to me at fowler.alan@newton.k12.ga.us if you have questions or issues.
-Mr. F
Mid-March, 2020
Y'all. this whole COVID-19 situation is something none of us have ever experienced and together, we will get through it. As a band director, I know i miss my kids and cannot wait to see everyone. I know that musically, I hope kids will just play. Make music! Enjoy making music! Please don't forget how.
As a parent, these weeks are going to different for us too. Please know that Mrs. Fowler and I are here and will do whatever you all need from us.
Take care. And GO BAND!
- Mr. F
January 29, 2020
Good Evening, Eastside Band Parents & Students.
Hopefully your 2020 is off to a great start; I cannot believe it is almost February already! We have had a busy month and I apologize for not sending out more information. Here is what is on the horizon:
- Tomorrow - Symphonic Band Rehearsal & TPOE Future Leader Session
- Friday & Saturday - District Honor Band
- Next week - Regular Jazz, Wind Ensemble, & Concert Band Rehearsals and ...
- Friday evening, Feb. 7th Symphonic Band Mini-Camp (4:30-8pm)
- Saturday morning, Feb. 8th Concert Band & Wind Ensemble Mini-Camp (7:45am-Noon)
- These events have been scheduled all year and the kids have known specifics since January 7th.
- LGPE - March 12-14 at Newton High School
Also, the Solo & Ensemble Deadline is next week. Do ask your child tomorrow and this weekend about their participation in Solo & Ensemble. It is a great event at which kids perform solos or as part of small ensembles and get evaluated by judges.
Additionally, due to some scheduling conflicts, it looks like our Band Bandquet and Spring Band Concert Extravaganza will switch dates. The Bandquet will now take place on Tuesday, May 5th, and the Spring Concert will happen on Friday evening, May 8th. In the next day or two, those corrected dates will be adjusted on our various calendars.
And finally -- Attached you will find the TPOE Summer 2020 Schedule, as well as the Fall 2020 Football and Band Contest Schedule. Check them out! This is the EARLIEST this information has ever been made available. Please put the pertinent events in your calendar!
Things are shaping up for this to be a terrific spring and next year should be awesome. Please stay-tuned via our website (www.prideofeastside.org) and let me know if you have any questions. Parents -- Please add the Band Booster Meeting on February 25th at 6:30pm to your calendar; it will be worth attending!.
Thank you, and again, I am so glad you are part of our band.
Kindly,
-Mr. F
- November 1, 2019
- Thank you to everyone who helped yesterday – and to the folks who have brought in and are still bringing in cases of waters. One thing I have not always been good at doing is asking for help. I am working on this and I want you all to know I truly appreciate what folks do for us. It really is OUR band, and I am so glad each of you is a part of it.
Now, on to the next two weeks – We have a game tonight, 8th Grade Stand Jam & Senior Night next Thursday, and then a (hopefully home) playoff game on Friday, November 15th. After that, we’ll be in it as long as the team keeps winning. (Last year we played three play-off games.) But while the season continues, we have concerts on the horizon …
Our annual band fall concert is next Tuesday, yes, the evening of the Teacher Workday. The concert will be at 7pm and will include performances by the Concert Band, the Symphonic Band, and The Pride of Eastside Marching Band. Students need towear one of the following outfits, according to which concert ensemble the are a part:
Concert & Symphonic Band –
A solid Fall color shirt – I’ve told the kids if a leaf is that color, their shirt will be fine.
Khaki slacks/pants. (Varying shades from khaki to brown will be terrific.)
For the rest of the concerts this year these bands will wear "concert black".
Wind Ensemble members who are part of the MB – The Gift show t-shirts & jeans.
Following that concert, we have the Wind Ensemble perform a Veterans’ Day concert with the Newton County Community Band on Veterans’ Day at 7pm on Monday, Nov. 11th. For that concert, the Wind Ensemble needs to wear the “concert black” -- and we could still use some help getting the dresses and so forth assigned to the kids.
Finally, thanks again for being part of the band and do come out to the concerts. The kids are great and they are making some terrific sounds. I need to get out there now and teach class …
Have a great weekend! Go Band! And Go Eagles!
-Mr. F
October 31, 2019
This may be a complete long shot, but I woke up with the idea that it would be neat if we could have some candy for the kids at the end of practice today. I so wish I had thought of it in time for me to go to the store last night, but I figure it will not hurt to ask.
If any of you could possibly bring some treats of some type (cheap candy would be fine with me) to the end of our Halloween marching band rehearsal, I am confident the kids would appreciate it.
We will finish out back around 4:40 if the weather cooperates and all goes well. If some of y'all could meet out back with some candy at 4:30, that would be great!
On another note - We have everyone involved in a Fall Concert next Tuesday at 7pm. The bands that will be playing are the Concert Band (2nd, 4th, & 6th Periods), Symphonic Band (1st Period), and of course, the Marching Band! It should be a great time!
Thanks again for teh support, and I know if anyone could help today it will be greatly appreciated.
Have a terrific October 31st. (I can't believe the year is flying by so quickly!)
-Mr. F
October 21, 2019
Good morning, TPOE People -
It is the start of a full week here at Eastside and our last "serious" week of dealing with the show. After this week, our attention turns toward the Fall Concerts and a number of other things as we continue through the year.
For this week: The 3 MB Rehearsals are huge. And the contest Saturday is big! Please see the website for a detailed itinerary.
We have worked out feeding the band on Saturday, and parents, we ask that if you are able, please bring/send in a case of waters. Mr. Fowler and Ms. Lyons have been buying cases of water throughout the season to help the kids and if everyone who could brought in a case of water, we'd be set. We could certainly use them Friday and Saturday.
Also, please note the rehearsals change beginning next week: On Monday 10/28, we'll have our last Full Band Monday rehearsal, Tuesday evening 10/29 will shift to a Wind Ensemble Rehearsal, and there will be a Concert Band (2nd, 4th, & 6th Periods) will rehearse on Wednesday 10/30. And the MB rehearsal on Halloween will be short - we'll finish by 5pm.
Then the Concert and Symphonic Bands will rehearse on Monday 11/4, followed by the Fall Concert on Tuesday evening 11/5. Those two bands plus the full MB will be part of that. The Wind Ensemble has an additional concert scheduled with the Newton Co. Community Band on Monday, November 11th - Veterans' Day. If you can help us fit concert uniforms during the day, that would be a huge help.
Have a great day! And thank you for being such an important part of what we do here at Eastside High School. GO BAND!
-Mr. F
October 10, 2019
Hello Eastside Band People - Please do read all of this; we don't send a lot of emails and there is some good stuff here ...
Hopefully everyone has had a terrific Fall Break. I look forward to seeing all the marching band folks who are in town tomorrow for the HUGE football game that will happen at Sharp Stadium. UNIFORM UPDATE: We WILL be wearing them. But underneath, please wear either the BLACK TPOE t-shirt OR a PINK t-shirt, if you have one. (It does not need to be a TPOE pink one; any pink shirt will be OK.
Next, with Fall Break upon us, we REALLY need help in the concessions. Please call or text or email Christy Lyons - 404-414-7294 or lyons.christy@newton.k12.ga.us
Special T-shirtSale Update: In addition to some various types of TPOE apparel available, we have the following. Just stop by the band room before the game and get yours. (First come, first served.) You may email Mr. F (fowler.alan@newton.k12.g.us) if you'd like to have it pulled and ready for you. Heck! We could use a parent to handle this tomorrow beginning at 4:45. Let us know if you're interested.
The Gift Show Shirts ($20)
2 - Smalls
2 - Mediums
3 - Large
1 - XL
(These are the final ones of these available, EVER!)
Colorful TPOE Moisture Wicking T-shirts
Long Sleeve
3 - XL Iron Gray
Short Sleeve
1 - Small Red
1 - XL Gold
Finally, after the break, we are gearing up for three significant performances:
The Marching Band Contest in Warner Robins on Saturday, Oct. 26th. We anticipate learning our performance time early next week. Stay Tuned!
Fall Concert for the Symphonic & Concert Bands on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5th. This is also the day of the first-ever teacher workday for Election Day. The calendar dictated that we needed the concert this night and it should be nice. This concert will be at 7:30pm in our auditorium.
Fall Concert for the Wind Ensemble in conjunction with the Newton County Community Band on Veterans' Day, Monday, Nov. 11th. This concert will also be at 7:30pm.
*If there are parents who could help us with concert uniforms during the next few weeks, please let us know. This can be done during the day should any parents have some time available.
That is a lot of information, but it boils down to this -- Thanks for being part of our band. What we have is special, and I enjoy getting to make music with kids. But seeing the kids learn, grow, and develop as people and as musicians is really what it's all about. The parents who help make it all happen are absolutely priceless. Thank you!
Good night, and please - if at all possible - come on and help in the concessions tomorrow night.
Kindly,
Mr. F
September 22, 2019
Good evening, TPOE People.
Great job at Homecoming last Friday and at our Super Saturday Rehearsal yesterday. The goal always been to make improvements at each and every rehearsal, and yesterday we did just that. Thank you!
Here is the link to the Weekly Band Agenda where you will see all the details for the week:
http://prideofeastside.org/weekly-agenda.html
There you will see a link to The Oconee Classic Band Contest website. (I'd insert that link here, but we really need you to visit the WBA.) Parents and families are invited to attend. One reason that we have now performed in Milledgeville for several years in a row is that this contest is one of the closer ones to Covington and we always have a good representation of TPOE fans. Bands begin performing in the early afternoon, and we will take the field at 6pm.
This week does have a special Friday afternoon "Dress Rehearsal" afterwhich we will load the equipment trailers, making our Saturday a little easier.
Finally, this week also includes the deadline for students to register for the All-State / District Honor Band Auditions. See me if you need a form.
Thank you again for being a part of our band. The longer I teach and the longer I live, the more I realize every day truly is a gift. And I am so glad I get to spend mine making music with kids.
Have a great week, and -- GO BAND!
-Mr. F
September 18, 2019
Hello, Band Students & Parents.
All Fall I have been speaking to the classes about the District Honor Band and All-State Auditions. The deadline to sign-up is next week and I wanted to make sure everyone had ample time to get registered. Both All-State & DHB are terrific opportunities for band students across the state, and I know every year we have students who are capable of playing with the best in the state, but they have no chance because they do not try-out.
Please read the attached flyer. (It's in the email & the Remind.) and let me know the first of next week if you plan to try-pout or to have you child try-out. (If your child needs a hard copy, I will gladly print one for them.)
Thank you! Have a great Thursday, and marching band folks please remember our Special Saturday Rehearsal from 8:30am til Noon.
Also, thank you to everyone has helped thus far to make the marching band a success. From the games to the performance in Athens Tuesday evening, we are on track for this to be a terrific year. It was tough watching the team lose the first two games, but I have been proud of how TPOE has delivered at each game.
Homecoming this week is always a little different; we won't be doing our show and we will have several alumni come and hang out with us in the stands. Next week we will have a regular week of rehearsals, plus the Friday afternoon "Dress Rehearsal". Then on Saturday we will head to Milledgeville for the first official marching contest of the season. Expect to hear from me this weekend or Monday about the exact schedule. We have yet to be notified of our performance time; hopefully we will hear soon. I expect us to perform in the late afternoon or early evening.
Thanks again for being part of TPOE. Take care and Go Band!.
-Mr. F
September 11, 2019
Good evening, TPOE Band Members & Parents -
It's been a busy fall thus far and as we approach our first Friday without a game in several weeks, I thought I would reach out with an update and share some information about next week. First, expect for the website to be updated with next week's Weekly Band Agenda some time tomorrow (Thursday) evening. There you'll be able to see a detailed itinerary for Tuesday's trip to Athens for the North East Georgia Marching Exhibition. at Cedar Shoals HS on the east side of Athens I'll hit the highlights below.
The Gift Show Shirts are in - if you ordered and have yet to pay, please get that in and come by and get your shirts. We can also send them home with students.) $20 per shirt or 3 for $50.
Next, and most importantly, thank you to everyone who has helped with concessions, equipment, chaperoning, uniforms, and so much more ... We couldn't do it with out you.
The event in Athens is open to the public, and parents are invited to attend. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children, students, and senior citizens. There are 10 high school bands performing plus the UGA Redcoat Band. TPOE will perform at 7:45.
We will leave Tuesday after school. The band members need to plan to stay. We will get organized and depart as soon as the busses arrive. Our plan is to get to Cedar Shoals and eat as we watch the first few bands. We will then warm-up, perform, pack-p and get back in the stands to watch The Redcoats.
There will be concessions, as well as Redcoat and NEGME merchandise available to purchase (cash only).
And finally, The Band Boosters will be taking care of feeding the band members Tuesday evening. We will take orders throughout the day tomorrow and Friday and the people at Cedar Shoals plan to have the food ready when we arrive.
Our choices are:
- Barbecue Sandwich Combo - w/ chips & a drink.
- Cheese Pizza Combo - w/ chips & a drink
- Pepperoni Pizza Combo - w/ chips & a drink
Parent/chaperones who are planning on riding with us can order one of the combos, just email me before noon Friday and then plan to send or bring in $5.
That should cover most of it. Thanks for being part of what we do. And please encourage your band member to sign-up and try-out for District Honor Band & All-State.
Have a nice rest of the week and don't forget Early Release Friday!
Go Band!
Mr. F
August 29, 2019 Newton Week TPOE Update & Picture News
Hello, Eastside Band People -
We are enjoying our last "regular" week for quite some time. The next few each have something special occurring, so please take a look at the calendar. Highlights are listed below.
But first, I wanted to share that when I approached Lifetouch about the problems with some of the pictures - Missing Pictures, Incorrect Names, even one set of Incorrect Pictures - I was given an 800 number to share with you. Here is that number: 1-800-244-4373. I suspect having the TPOE Band Picture Day Code handy would help: EVT8ZJ2ZT
Hopefully, that will help you get what you need. (There are still some pictures at the band room.)
Next, thank you to everyone who has helped by working band camp, helping with the uniforms and t-shirts, chaperoning, working concessions, helping with construction, engineering, and transporting equipment, and so much more ... We could not do it without you!
The Show Shirts have been ordered and I hope they are here by next Frday, but I have been "guaranteed" they will be here by the 10th. Thank you for ordering so many.
Finally, the Band Camp Fundraiser is still ongoing. Please ask your band member about it, and let's Go Eagles! And Go Band! Beat Newton!
Here are the aforementioned highlights of the 4 weeks in September.
- Next Week - Labor Day (No Rehearsal on Monday) then the Alcovy Game
- The Following Week - Regular Rehearsals, but no game on Friday.
- The Week of Sept. 16th - Tuesday evening trip to and performance in Athens, Homecoming Game on Friday the 20th, and then a special morning rehearsal on Saturday the 21st.
- The Week of the 23rd - Regular Rehearsals, plus a "Dress Rehearsal" on Friday the 27th since there is not a game, and then on Saturday the MB contest in Milledgeville.
A word from Mr. Fowler...
May 8, 2019
This needs to be update more often, but this video is worthy of watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J7nDH5oPn4&t=6s
We've had a terrific year and are busy preparing for 2019-20, while working toward sending off our Seniors terrifically at Commencement 2019 on Saturday, May 25th.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Go Band!
September 29, 2018
I really need to update this page more often, but here we are at the middle of #tpoe23's season and I figure this is as good a time as any. What a fall! The Eagles are demolishing the opponents on their schedule and the band is also off to a great start.
It's no secret I stay excited about band and it should come as no surprise I hold dear to my heart people who like being a part of the band. Well, this fall we seem to have a lot of kids who love being part of TPOE. Our show is our best ever and the kids are working to "make it better"! I'll take it.
We had a terrific 8th Grade Stand Jam and the prospects for the future look good. But the rest of this year should be great too. As I like to say, GO BAND! Please stay up to date with regard to the calendar, and - Band Members: Practice!
- Mr. F
February 15, 2018
It's been a busy winter and we have a lot happening in and around the Eastside Band Room. Tonight we kick-off the start of #tpoe23 as we welcome 8th graders and their parents to Eastside. Our LGPE rehearsals are going well and next week we have some terrific things lined-up after Winter Break!
Thanks for being part of what we do.
Go Band!
October 7, 2017
We've made it to Fall Break and I wanted to thank everyone who has worked to make our band what it is - from the kids and parents to the staff and other supporters. From the peanut stand to the grills we've got great people helping us!
It really does take a lot to put a band together. While Gabby was conducting TPOE and the Stand Hammers in the stands last night and I went over to talk to our visiting band director, I thought about what I saw across the field in the home stands. It was impressive! Then the show was our best yet; sure it is not perfect and there are things that need cleaning up, but it really was terrific!
In the press box at halftime, I thought about the truck drivers, props crew, and chaperones and Mr. Clark working hard. I thought about the wonderful people getting it done in (and behind) the concession stand. I thought about the Booster officers who do so much and the fact we hired a composer and drillwriter who delivered outstanding products for us. (This is our fourth year of playing Randall Standridge's music and marching to Heath Jones' drill, and undoubtedly TPOE is better than five years ago.)
And then I thought about the kids. The ones in our band today, the ones out there in the "real world" getting it done as adults (some of whom are working w/ us - Thank you Ben, Chase, Shannon, Victoria, and of course Mr. Clark.), and the ones yet to make their way to Eastside - the band members of the future. I thought of the kids who've gone on to be part of college bands - from UGA to Mercer, Georgia Southern to Georgia State, and Albany State to Auburn, and so many others. And it doesn't go without mention I think about the quitters who miss out in so much.
Band is special! I hope you all know that. I, for one, will never forget it! To get to be part of your lives is special, but having you all be part of mine and my family's is the real joy. Thank you!
Have a great Fall Break! We have a big week ahead once we get back. The marching band will head to Warner Robins to compete in a history-rich contest we've never attended, and then we'll get ready for our first-ever Halloween Concert!
I expect to be able to update the website Monday. We have a big game Friday! So check out reporting times and so forth for Friday.
Thanks again. Parents - We could use another truck driver volunteer, or two, if you are able. Please let me know if you're interested. And if there are volunteer skills you'd like to offer and just haven't been asked, let us know that too.
Take care, have a great break, stay safe, and Go Band!
Mr. F
May 25, 2017
A full year of school - Check. Band Banquet - Check. The Graduation Band is ready for Saturday - Check! Pool Party in the works for tonight. One final goodbye to our #TPOE21 Class of 2017 Seniors is on tap for Saturday. All that's left is to fully crank-up #TPOE22.
Please get those deposits in. The 2017-18 MB Fees are $275 for Rookies and $225 for Vets. We start-up on Monday afternoon June the 5th with the Band Leadership Team and then Thursday June 8th with the full band. Get on board!
As for the final thoughts on 2016-17 - It's been a special year and the band has continued to improve in so many ways. But for me, the band director who is also a father of one of our seniors, saying goodbye this time is more difficult than ever. But I can honestly say, the band is better off today than when Katie Beth's class began band in the 6th grade and we have come a long way since they came on board as freshman just four short years ago.
Band is special! Thank you to our kids and parents for being part of it.
GO BAND!
End of April, 2017
It's been a great year and a lot of music has been band here in Covington and across the country. Next year is shaping-up to be tremendous! Get on board with #TPOE22.
Up next - Middle School Visitation Days, The Spring Concert, Graduation Band Rehearsals, Drumline Try-outs, The Band Banquet, The Pool Party, Graduation, Memorial Day, and then the summer. Please stay aware of the calendar and teh Weekly Band Agenda.
Thanks for being part of our band and our Band Boosters! Don't miss Tuesday, May 2nd at 7pm.
End of Football Season
"Congratulations TPOE! Great job this season; it is so nice to know we ended the contest season with a truly terrific run of our "Around the World in 8 Minutes" show. We made it better all fall and we wrap this one up having achieved more than any of the previous 20 editions -- Three contests and three sets of Superiors. Thank you, #TPOE21 ... While there is a lot to do and experience the rest of this year, I can tell you honestly, I look forward to what #TPOE22 will be able to do. GO BAND!"
And here is what he had to say after the play-off loss:
"What a terrific season was had by #TPOE21 ... I so hate to see it end. The Eagles fought valiantly but ultimately came up short, losing 24-17 to Spalding. Of the 21 editions of TPOE, this one exceeded the others in so many ways! All of our seniors since that first graduating class in 1998 have been special to me, but this crowd is something else. The year is not over (just the football season), but they should know what they mean to me will stay with me forever! I love you guys ... Thank you! I'll post more tomorrow, but tonight, I'll lay my head down proud of the TPOE Class of 2017. (I hate John couldn't be with us the entire evening, but I'm glad he stayed as long as he could, and I missed Christian.) Good night, and GO BAND!"
4.23.2016
As you can see, I got a little behind on updating the Director's Note. I need to do better. The spring is here and it will be"Marching Band Season" before we know it. Do check out the website, and check back here for more soon.
Thank you to all who helped make our 1st-ever Small Ensemble Concert successful. Let's continue to raise the bar!
The Symphonic Band @ Georgia State was fantastic! Thank you one and all.
Congratulations to the members of the 2016-17 EHS TPOE Colorguard!
Emily Adams, Dakota Aycox, Lauren Cumming, Mary Edwards, Rebekah Emerson, Katie Beth Fowler, Corene Fuller, Saniyya Fulton, Shannon Harper, Kaitlyn Hegwood, Alyssa Huie, Abby Lang, Bryson Mahaffey, Lizzie Massey, Lily Mayfield, Lila McGiboney, Caitlin McGowan, Kiara McKay, Anna Mendoza, Emily Mendoza, Ivy Shepherd, Remington Warthen, Anna White, and Ansley White
LGPE was AMAZING!!! Thank you to EVERYONE who made it happen ...
Check out the TPOE youtube channel & our LGPE 2016 "Playlist":
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNu_TKaDfK0E3ZLuAylxHOFJ0173VmNKS
11.9.2015
Well, the football season is over and Man! do I wish we had another game. As I have said publicly, by every measure, this year's edition of TPOE was by far our best EVER! And that is in no way a knock on our previos years' bands; it's just a tribute to us successfully "Raising the Bar." The band definitely gave me, and so many others, plenty of reason to SMILE!
With 35 seniors, the end of the marching season is particularly sad and I know we will n\miss each of them as the rest of us gear up for next year's TPOE MB. That said, we have a lot to which we can look forward. Football may be over for the year, but "Band Season" is year-round.
Next up we have The Fruit Sale, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Break, The Christmas Parade, The Holiday Concert, All-State Auditions, Tuba Christmas and then the end of the semester. (And that's all before Christmas Break.)
Right now we need to be busy selling fruit and practicing. There is a short turn-around between our highly successful, much enjoyed Fall Concert and the Eastside Band & Chorus Annual Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 10th. So please stay "in-tune" via our website and be at the necessary rehearsals.
Thank you for being a part of our TPOE Band family and let's keep "raising the bar."
-Mr. F
8.2.2015
Welcome back! The school year has started, and TPOE has been busy for more than a couple of weeks putting together what will be our best show EVER! Don't forget that high school band is about far more than just marching band and football season. Check out our website and you'll get a glimpse of what all is happening in and around the band room. GO EAGLES! And GO BAND!
-Mr. F
3.25.15 (Football schedule updated 3.29)
Lot's of exciting things are happening around Eastside. The word is out this evening that we have a new head football coach - Congratulations Coach Hoff! Colorguard Try-outs are about to start and we are in the planning stages of an amazing trip (or really two). We are also planning a great fall show and I wanted to share the football schedule with everyone for the Fall of 2015.
Here it is:
2015 EHS Varsity Football Schedule & Band Contest Dates
(CONFIRMED 8.2.2015)
DATE OPPONENT
Aug. 14 Scrimmage vs. Newton @ Sharp
Aug. 20 (Thurs.) Home Scrimmage versus Westminster
Aug. 28 Alcovy (H) @ Sharp
Sept. 4 Madison County @ Sharp
Sept. 11 Griffin* @ Sharp
Sept. 17 (Thurs.) Jonesboro* @ 12 Oaks (Lovejoy)
Sept. 19 (Sat.) Marching Band Festival in Cochran, Georgia
Sept. 26 (Saturday) Eagle's Landing* @ Sharp (HOMECOMING)
Oct. 2 OPEN
Saturday, 10/3 Band Contest @ THOMSON HIGH SCHOOL
Oct. 9 Locust Grove* @ Locust Grove
Saturday, 10/10 Band Contest @ EAST JACKSON HIGH SCHOOL
Oct. 16 Henry County* @ Sharp
FALL BREAK - The Week of Oct. 19th (There is an away game this week.)
Oct. 23 Hampton* @ Hampton
Oct. 30 Walnut Grove* @ Walnut Grove
Nov. 6 Region Play-In Game** Location TBA (Likely AWAY)
*Region 4-AAAA Contest
**Region Play-In Game will determine play-off teams 1-4.
GO BAND! GO EAGLES!
1.11.15
Sorry for the long delay between "Director's Notes." Things have been pretty busy and there are some terrific times ahead for TPOE. Please plan now for a couple of things - Saturday, Feb. 21st: The Annual Concert Band & Symphonic Band Mini-Camp (We bring in specialists to help us prepare our LGPE program) and The TPOE 2015 Summer Band Camp - The Week of July 20th.
Stay tuned and keep enjoying, contributing to, and making our band program what it is.
GO BAND!
11.19.14
Hello TPOE Band People - (Please read, but there is an entertaining like embedded in the text - Enjoy ... And PRACTICE!)
We do have a marching band rehearsal this Thursday, and I promise we will finish before 5. (Many of us are involved either at The Square for the Lighting or at the school for Oklahoma in the evening. Break-a-leg, people!)
I am about to update the website with details about Friday. So check there soon.
Also, it is not too late to turn in fruit orders. If you have a physical order to turn in, please get it to the band room by Friday afternoon. Emails can be sent in until Sunday.
And finally, December is right around the corner. Please check the website for the upcoming schedule. We have had a number of folks help us with the concert uniforms, and I do want to publicly thank them. The concert will be Monday night December 15th at the old Newton HS. For new folks - we do our holiday concert with the Eastside Choruses and it is a huge event. You will not want to miss it.
So, in closing, rehearsal Thursday, GO EAGLES Friday, Have a great Thanksgiving, practice - here's a great video that might inspire someone to take home an instrument - and be ready for a full and fun December. The parade is Saturday, Dec. 6th, All-State Auditions are the next Saturday, and Tuba Christmas is Sunday the 14th.
Thanks.
-Mr. F
9.14.14
Hello TPOE people,
Thus far, the year is flying by. We are nearly one-third of the way through the football season, we're halfway through September and the marching band contests will be here before we know it.
So far the band has done well and things are coming along nicely with the show. This week is Homecoming at Eastside which means there will be lots of distractions and we won't get to march our entire show Friday. That said, we do plan on doing some special things on the field that you will not want to miss.
Please continue to get those band fee payments in and if you are a band student - PRACTICE! If you're a parent, please encourage your band member to practice.
Have a great week! And plan for our upcoming Saturdays: Band Contests on September 27th & October 4th and Home Games on October 11th & November 1st.
Also, be sure to visit www.acgraphicshop.com/tpoe and use the coupon code "TPOE14" to get FREE shipping. The FREE shipping is available between now and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 21st. All items ordered with the coupon code will be sent to the school. After the 21st you will still be able to purchase items, however you will have to pay shipping and they will be sent directly to you.
Good night and GO BAND!
Here is the 2014 Football Schedule!
2014 EHS Varsity Football Schedule & Band Contest Dates
DATE OPPONENT
Aug. 29 Alcovy
Sept. 5 Madison County
Sept. 12 Griffin*
Sept. 19 Jonesboro* (HC)
Sept. 26 Eagle's Landing* Saturday, 9/27 The Oconee Classic in Milledgeville
Oct. 3 OPEN Saturday, 10/4 The Super Bowl of Sound in Carrollton
Oct. 11 (Saturday) Locust Grove* Eastside's 200th Varsity Game
Oct. 17 Henry County*
FALL BREAK - The Week of Oct. 20th (There is a home game this week.)
Oct. 24 Hampton*
Nov. 1 (Saturday) Walnut Grove* (SN)
Nov. 7 Region Play-In Game** Location TBA
*Region 4-AAAA Contest
**Region Play-In Game will determine play-off teams 1-4.
2014 EHS Varsity Football Schedule & Band Contest Dates
DATE OPPONENT
Aug. 29 Alcovy
Sept. 5 Madison County
Sept. 12 Griffin*
Sept. 19 Jonesboro* (HC)
Sept. 26 Eagle's Landing* Saturday, 9/27 The Oconee Classic in Milledgeville
Oct. 3 OPEN Saturday, 10/4 The Super Bowl of Sound in Carrollton
Oct. 11 (Saturday) Locust Grove* Eastside's 200th Varsity Game
Oct. 17 Henry County*
FALL BREAK - The Week of Oct. 20th (There is a home game this week.)
Oct. 24 Hampton*
Nov. 1 (Saturday) Walnut Grove* (SN)
Nov. 7 Region Play-In Game** Location TBA
*Region 4-AAAA Contest
**Region Play-In Game will determine play-off teams 1-4.
7.31.14
Well, the start of another school year is upon us. Best wishes to everyone on the first day. The band is already off to a great start and I am truly excited about the kids and the adventures we should have this year making music.
Parents - Please stay in-tune with the Eagle Bands via our website, Facebook, Twitter, Remind, Charms and whatever other means available. Plan now for the Concession Training Session Booster Meeting fun to be had at the stadium on Tuesday evening, September 2nd.
Kids - Please get off to a great start in your classes. Don't wait!!! So often kids dig holes for themselves that they spend the rest of the year trying to climb out of - and I've observed in a race like the school year, it's far better to get out in front.
We'll start playing in the classes on Monday. Please make sure your instrument is in good working order before you get to school Monday.
Good night and have a great tomorrow!
-Mr. F
7.25.14
What a great week with the Eastside Band! Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. The kids, the parent volunteers and the band staff were all amazing! Below you will find the flyer that was given out at the parent meeting on Thursday night. If you were not able to make it, please read it carefully and don't miss out on the opportunities that are there - especially your chance to order a "COLORS!" Show Shirt.
Finally, there are a few important band events between now and the start of school. You can find out about each here on the website, but here is an overview:
Tomorrow (Saturday the 26th) - DCI at The Dome for those who purchased tickets. The details are posted here on the website, but if you'll sign-up for the "EHS at The Dome" Remind101 class, you'll be informed all day long. You can do that HERE or by texting TPOEdci to 424-203-0414.
Then - Monday we have Full Band rehearsal frm 6:30 pm until 8:45, Tuesday we will have TPOE Band Pictures (for the football program and school annual), and Wednesday we will present a show for parents and friends at 8:10 pm following Open House at Eastside HS from which is 6-8 pm.
Don't miss out! And thanks again to all of the folks who worked hard to afford the kids the opportunity of having a great week.
Kindly,
- Mr. F
Well, the start of another school year is upon us. Best wishes to everyone on the first day. The band is already off to a great start and I am truly excited about the kids and the adventures we should have this year making music.
Parents - Please stay in-tune with the Eagle Bands via our website, Facebook, Twitter, Remind, Charms and whatever other means available. Plan now for the Concession Training Session Booster Meeting fun to be had at the stadium on Tuesday evening, September 2nd.
Kids - Please get off to a great start in your classes. Don't wait!!! So often kids dig holes for themselves that they spend the rest of the year trying to climb out of - and I've observed in a race like the school year, it's far better to get out in front.
We'll start playing in the classes on Monday. Please make sure your instrument is in good working order before you get to school Monday.
Good night and have a great tomorrow!
-Mr. F
7.25.14
What a great week with the Eastside Band! Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. The kids, the parent volunteers and the band staff were all amazing! Below you will find the flyer that was given out at the parent meeting on Thursday night. If you were not able to make it, please read it carefully and don't miss out on the opportunities that are there - especially your chance to order a "COLORS!" Show Shirt.
Finally, there are a few important band events between now and the start of school. You can find out about each here on the website, but here is an overview:
Tomorrow (Saturday the 26th) - DCI at The Dome for those who purchased tickets. The details are posted here on the website, but if you'll sign-up for the "EHS at The Dome" Remind101 class, you'll be informed all day long. You can do that HERE or by texting TPOEdci to 424-203-0414.
Then - Monday we have Full Band rehearsal frm 6:30 pm until 8:45, Tuesday we will have TPOE Band Pictures (for the football program and school annual), and Wednesday we will present a show for parents and friends at 8:10 pm following Open House at Eastside HS from which is 6-8 pm.
Don't miss out! And thanks again to all of the folks who worked hard to afford the kids the opportunity of having a great week.
Kindly,
- Mr. F
| july_24th_flyer.pdf |
6.24.14
It's not too early to plan for the Fall. Please get involved. Tonight, during the TPOE rehearsal, we will have the first Band Boosters Meeting of the year.
There are lots of ways to get involved and during our next three Tuesday night rehearsals, there will be ample opportunities for volunteers to help. Please email Ms. Sheets or myself - president@prideofeastside.org will get her and director@prideofeastside.org will get me - and we will help you find a way to help.
Take care and check the website often. On the homepage you'll find information about Kroger, CHARMS, Remind and much, much more.
Thanks again for being part of our band and for having your children in the Eastside Band program. Take care and have a terrific summer and I hope to see you tonight. GO EAGLES! and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
6.2.14
Happy June!
As we close the door on this past year, we get to look ahead to a terrific 2014-15. Things are indeed shaping up for next year to be tremendous and I, for one, am excited to get to be a part of it!
The first thing on the schedule for us is our Kick-Off Rehearsal for the 2014 TPOE scheduled for Thursday evening June 5th. The main rehearsal is from 6:30 until 8:45, but the Drumline members need to be ready to start at 6:30. If you're "in town," be here. We should have a great time!
Check the homepage for the details regarding the rest of June up through Band Camp. There will be updates to that page frequently over the next few weeks. In the meantime, please get those marching band payments in and mark your calendars. On down this page you can see the schedule for the Fall.
Have a terrific summer and I will see you this Thursday and then later in June. GO EAGLES! and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
4.2.14
Hello Eastside Band People & Friends -
The Spring is zipping right along and we have all sorts of things going on with the Eastside Bands. This week we are holding Colorguard and Drum Major Tryouts, as we begin to gear-up for the summer and the fall. There is a Band & Chorus Trip to The Windy City right around the corner and once we return to school from Spring Break, we will be holding 8th Grade Band Meet & Greet Sessions at two of our middle schools - Cousins (Thursday, April 17th) and Indian Creek (Friday, April 18th). The fun doesn't stop there - Concerts and the Band Banquet and Graduation Band are just a few of the things that will keep us busy during April and May.
I mentioned gearing-up for the fall. Well, the TPOE members anxiously awaited the news of the announcement of the music for our 2014 Fall Show and they learned yesterday afternoon that the show is - "Colors!" by Randall Standridge. The show will feature "A fiery Latin inspired Opener ("Red/Orange"), a bluesy middle tune
("Blue/Purple"), and a high energy closer ("Yellow/Green") round out this colorful marching composition." I really do think the band and the crowds (and the director) will all enjoy the experience that will be the 2014 edition of The Pride of Eastside. (We will get links to the tunes posted in the near future, so do check back regularly!)
Take care and have a terrific Spring Break. GO BAND!2.25.14
Hello Eastside Band People -
A number of things have been updated here on the band's website - please check it out. Among the updates you will see links to the 2014-2015 NCSS Calendar, the 2014 Eastside Football Schedule, and the Chicago Itinerary. There is also information here about the Band Booster Meeting this Tuesday evening and specifics about the upcoming LGPE performances.
Please make tuning into the band's website something you do regularly. And if you have not updated your Charms account information or signed up for the TPOE Remind101, please do so. (Instructions are on the homepage.) Our goal is to stay in touch and keep you informed better than ever!
Finally, thank you for being a part of The Pride of Eastside Bands. What we have is special and I am glad we are in it together! Have a great week and please email me with any questions.
Kindly,
~ Mr. F
2.19.14
Hello TPOE Band People,
Lots of important things are upcoming for the Eastside Bands. Please read the bulleted points below:
Thank you ... and Go Eagles!!! and GO BAND!!!
12.09.13
Hello Friends!
First, please plan to attend the concert next Monday at Porter Auditorium on the campus of the "old" Newton HS. The Band & Chorus Holiday Concert has always been a standing-room only event and having it at Porter will provide everyone a seat. So, bring a crowd!
Next, we could use some help over the next couple of days: The Fruit is coming in Thursday morning and should be ready to be loaded into cars beginning at 1pm. That said, we need some volunteers to help!
Thursday is also the dress rehearsal for the concert, as well as the night of the Indian Creek holiday concert.
Those last two points mean that we really could use a parent to help during the rehearsal (last time we had two and they were great) and we need a couple of folks to man the fruit distribution during the rehearsal and until 6:30pm, so that I can leave after rehearsal and take equipment to Indian Creek. Please e-mail me if you are available to help. Thank you and I hope to hear from lots of y'all.
Here are the upcoming events:
Wednesday - Concert Band Rehearsal
Thursday - FRUIT and CB/SB/Jazz Band Dress Rehearsal
All fruit needs to be picked-up by 6:30.
Saturday - All-State/DHB Auditions at Lithonia HS (the info went home today.)
Monday - 7:30 p.m. Holiday Concert @ Porter (Details to go home Friday, but I know we could use some help Monday afternoon.)
Finally, do get those second Chicago Payments in soon (the deadline is the 15th). Thank you!
11.13.13
Hello TPOE Band People -
Hopefully everyone has been out there selling fruit these last couple of weeks. It's not too late if you have not gotten yours; download a form and make some calls. (Also, I know there are still some teachers at the school who have not yet been approached by fruit sellers.)
I wanted to remind everyone to get their fruit orders and monies turned in this Friday. We need to get the band's order to the folks in Florida first of next week.
Also, thank you to all who brought food items to the concert last week in support of the Key Club's efforts. The concert was a lot of fun and I appreciate everyone who spent the evening with us at the school. Next up, there are a lot of things lining up for the holiday season to be a blast, so stay in-tune with TPOE by visiting the website often!
Have a great day! Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.
~ Mr. F
11.04.13
Hello Band Parents (and students) -
The Fall Concert is Tuesday night. Come out and an enjoy an evening of music with the Eastside Concert and Symphonic Bands, as well as the Eastside Brass. Also, you will not want to miss the premier of the ACADEX Jazz Band!
The fun starts at 7:30 with a few moments with the Eastside Band Boosters. Then a little before 8, the Eastside Brass will get the tunes started. So if your a parent, either come with or bring your band member and hang around.
The Symphonic Band members should get back to the school by 7:05, get their instruments, and head to the cafeteria. The Concert Band folks need to get back to the band room by 7:15. We will warm-up in there.
Don't miss the fun and remember to bring a canned for the Key Club's Can Drive event. It is Key Club Week and all of the non-perishable items brought to the concert will be donated on behalf of the Eastside Key Club. See you Tuesday! And thanks again for your support!
-Mr. F
Oh - And don't forget to get out there and sell some band fruit!!! Check the fundraising page for details.
10.31.13
Hello Band People -
Here are four things I need for you all to read:
1) Senior Night and GSU Band Day will make for a pretty full weekend. The Band Day buses will roll by 7:25am Saturday. Please don't be late!
2) The Fall Concert is next Tuesday. The dress rehearsal Monday will end at 4:40 for the Symphonic Band and 5:30 for the Concert Band. (We could use some parent help between 3:30 and 4:45 - let me know if you're up for it.) The concert will begin with a few moments with the Band Boosters at 7:30 and then the music will start at 7:55 with the ACADEX Jazz Band. The band members should wear a solid fall color shirt, khaki pants, and dark (appropriate) shoes. Come out and enjoy the evening!
3) The Fruit Sale has kicked-off. If you did not get a form today, please get one tomorrow. (A portion of the profits of the fruit sale will go directly into the student accounts.)
and 4) We had a terrific number of folks turn in their Chicago Trip deposits today. Thank you. If you were not able to get yours in today, but would still like to go, please get word to me Friday. We have a few more spots available and the trip is shaping up to be terrific. Don't miss out.
Thanks again for being part of our band. Go Eagles, Go Band ... and GO SENIORS!!! Come out Friday night and cheer them all on!
And have a great weekend!
- Mr. F
10.03.13
Hello TPOE Band People -
Attached is the long-awaited Chicago Trip itinerary, along with the payment schedule. The Eastside Band has taken wonderful trips since our first venture outside of Georgia in 1998, and next Spring's trip to Chicago is shaping up to be similarly terrific. Here is the gist of the attachment:
1) The trip is scheduled from Friday evening, April 4th to Tuesday evening, April 8th.
2) The itinerary is broken down highlighting the various activities and meals as they are currently scheduled.
3) The cost is $540 and a payment schedule is shown.
4) Finally, we must have a deposit by the end of October.
At the suggestion of Mr. Singleton, we are including the EHS Chorus in this exciting adventure, and like a trip several years ago to Canada, I suspect the time on the road with the chorus will be a lot of fun. While we are planning dedicated fundraisers to help students raise funds for the trip, the initial deposit does need to be paid. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you and please plan now so that the most people possible can go.
Take care and have a great Fall Break - if you're in town, please join us for the away game at Lanier - be sure and see the WBA for details!!!
It's not too early to plan for the Fall. Please get involved. Tonight, during the TPOE rehearsal, we will have the first Band Boosters Meeting of the year.
There are lots of ways to get involved and during our next three Tuesday night rehearsals, there will be ample opportunities for volunteers to help. Please email Ms. Sheets or myself - president@prideofeastside.org will get her and director@prideofeastside.org will get me - and we will help you find a way to help.
Take care and check the website often. On the homepage you'll find information about Kroger, CHARMS, Remind and much, much more.
Thanks again for being part of our band and for having your children in the Eastside Band program. Take care and have a terrific summer and I hope to see you tonight. GO EAGLES! and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
6.2.14
Happy June!
As we close the door on this past year, we get to look ahead to a terrific 2014-15. Things are indeed shaping up for next year to be tremendous and I, for one, am excited to get to be a part of it!
The first thing on the schedule for us is our Kick-Off Rehearsal for the 2014 TPOE scheduled for Thursday evening June 5th. The main rehearsal is from 6:30 until 8:45, but the Drumline members need to be ready to start at 6:30. If you're "in town," be here. We should have a great time!
Check the homepage for the details regarding the rest of June up through Band Camp. There will be updates to that page frequently over the next few weeks. In the meantime, please get those marching band payments in and mark your calendars. On down this page you can see the schedule for the Fall.
Have a terrific summer and I will see you this Thursday and then later in June. GO EAGLES! and GO BAND!
- Mr. F
4.2.14
Hello Eastside Band People & Friends -
The Spring is zipping right along and we have all sorts of things going on with the Eastside Bands. This week we are holding Colorguard and Drum Major Tryouts, as we begin to gear-up for the summer and the fall. There is a Band & Chorus Trip to The Windy City right around the corner and once we return to school from Spring Break, we will be holding 8th Grade Band Meet & Greet Sessions at two of our middle schools - Cousins (Thursday, April 17th) and Indian Creek (Friday, April 18th). The fun doesn't stop there - Concerts and the Band Banquet and Graduation Band are just a few of the things that will keep us busy during April and May.
I mentioned gearing-up for the fall. Well, the TPOE members anxiously awaited the news of the announcement of the music for our 2014 Fall Show and they learned yesterday afternoon that the show is - "Colors!" by Randall Standridge. The show will feature "A fiery Latin inspired Opener ("Red/Orange"), a bluesy middle tune
("Blue/Purple"), and a high energy closer ("Yellow/Green") round out this colorful marching composition." I really do think the band and the crowds (and the director) will all enjoy the experience that will be the 2014 edition of The Pride of Eastside. (We will get links to the tunes posted in the near future, so do check back regularly!)
Take care and have a terrific Spring Break. GO BAND!2.25.14
Hello Eastside Band People -
A number of things have been updated here on the band's website - please check it out. Among the updates you will see links to the 2014-2015 NCSS Calendar, the 2014 Eastside Football Schedule, and the Chicago Itinerary. There is also information here about the Band Booster Meeting this Tuesday evening and specifics about the upcoming LGPE performances.
Please make tuning into the band's website something you do regularly. And if you have not updated your Charms account information or signed up for the TPOE Remind101, please do so. (Instructions are on the homepage.) Our goal is to stay in touch and keep you informed better than ever!
Finally, thank you for being a part of The Pride of Eastside Bands. What we have is special and I am glad we are in it together! Have a great week and please email me with any questions.
Kindly,
~ Mr. F
2.19.14
Hello TPOE Band People,
Lots of important things are upcoming for the Eastside Bands. Please read the bulleted points below:
- First, thank you to everyone who helped to make last Saturday's Concert/Symphonic Mini-Camp go well. It was a GREAT day!
- Next, the 2014-2015 NCSS School Calendar has been approved and released by the school board. While additional TPOE Marching Band information will be available soon, please note that our "Band Camp" will be the Week of July 21st. Please plan now and spread the word!
- There is a Band Booster Meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, February 25th at 6:30pm that will immediately be followed at 7 by a "mandatory" Chicago Trip meeting.
- Chicago People - We really need you to be at the meeting Tuesday (Students - Bring a parent!). There are a number of trip details (including rooming assignments) which must be addressed. For those who simply cannot be there - for instance, we know there are EHS sporting events involving band students - students must stay for a brief session Wednesday immediately after school. Also, Chicago people the final payment deadline has passed, but with the break and the weather there are a number of people planning to send there's in Monday. Please take care of that.
- Finally, LGPE is soon. The Concert Band is scheduled for Friday, March 14th at 11:30 am and the Symphonic Band is scheduled for Saturday the 15th at 11. Both concerts are at Rockdale HS and are FREE.
Thank you ... and Go Eagles!!! and GO BAND!!!
12.09.13
Hello Friends!
First, please plan to attend the concert next Monday at Porter Auditorium on the campus of the "old" Newton HS. The Band & Chorus Holiday Concert has always been a standing-room only event and having it at Porter will provide everyone a seat. So, bring a crowd!
Next, we could use some help over the next couple of days: The Fruit is coming in Thursday morning and should be ready to be loaded into cars beginning at 1pm. That said, we need some volunteers to help!
Thursday is also the dress rehearsal for the concert, as well as the night of the Indian Creek holiday concert.
Those last two points mean that we really could use a parent to help during the rehearsal (last time we had two and they were great) and we need a couple of folks to man the fruit distribution during the rehearsal and until 6:30pm, so that I can leave after rehearsal and take equipment to Indian Creek. Please e-mail me if you are available to help. Thank you and I hope to hear from lots of y'all.
Here are the upcoming events:
Wednesday - Concert Band Rehearsal
Thursday - FRUIT and CB/SB/Jazz Band Dress Rehearsal
All fruit needs to be picked-up by 6:30.
Saturday - All-State/DHB Auditions at Lithonia HS (the info went home today.)
Monday - 7:30 p.m. Holiday Concert @ Porter (Details to go home Friday, but I know we could use some help Monday afternoon.)
Finally, do get those second Chicago Payments in soon (the deadline is the 15th). Thank you!
11.13.13
Hello TPOE Band People -
Hopefully everyone has been out there selling fruit these last couple of weeks. It's not too late if you have not gotten yours; download a form and make some calls. (Also, I know there are still some teachers at the school who have not yet been approached by fruit sellers.)
I wanted to remind everyone to get their fruit orders and monies turned in this Friday. We need to get the band's order to the folks in Florida first of next week.
Also, thank you to all who brought food items to the concert last week in support of the Key Club's efforts. The concert was a lot of fun and I appreciate everyone who spent the evening with us at the school. Next up, there are a lot of things lining up for the holiday season to be a blast, so stay in-tune with TPOE by visiting the website often!
Have a great day! Thanksgiving will be here before we know it.
~ Mr. F
11.04.13
Hello Band Parents (and students) -
The Fall Concert is Tuesday night. Come out and an enjoy an evening of music with the Eastside Concert and Symphonic Bands, as well as the Eastside Brass. Also, you will not want to miss the premier of the ACADEX Jazz Band!
The fun starts at 7:30 with a few moments with the Eastside Band Boosters. Then a little before 8, the Eastside Brass will get the tunes started. So if your a parent, either come with or bring your band member and hang around.
The Symphonic Band members should get back to the school by 7:05, get their instruments, and head to the cafeteria. The Concert Band folks need to get back to the band room by 7:15. We will warm-up in there.
Don't miss the fun and remember to bring a canned for the Key Club's Can Drive event. It is Key Club Week and all of the non-perishable items brought to the concert will be donated on behalf of the Eastside Key Club. See you Tuesday! And thanks again for your support!
-Mr. F
Oh - And don't forget to get out there and sell some band fruit!!! Check the fundraising page for details.
10.31.13
Hello Band People -
Here are four things I need for you all to read:
1) Senior Night and GSU Band Day will make for a pretty full weekend. The Band Day buses will roll by 7:25am Saturday. Please don't be late!
2) The Fall Concert is next Tuesday. The dress rehearsal Monday will end at 4:40 for the Symphonic Band and 5:30 for the Concert Band. (We could use some parent help between 3:30 and 4:45 - let me know if you're up for it.) The concert will begin with a few moments with the Band Boosters at 7:30 and then the music will start at 7:55 with the ACADEX Jazz Band. The band members should wear a solid fall color shirt, khaki pants, and dark (appropriate) shoes. Come out and enjoy the evening!
3) The Fruit Sale has kicked-off. If you did not get a form today, please get one tomorrow. (A portion of the profits of the fruit sale will go directly into the student accounts.)
and 4) We had a terrific number of folks turn in their Chicago Trip deposits today. Thank you. If you were not able to get yours in today, but would still like to go, please get word to me Friday. We have a few more spots available and the trip is shaping up to be terrific. Don't miss out.
Thanks again for being part of our band. Go Eagles, Go Band ... and GO SENIORS!!! Come out Friday night and cheer them all on!
And have a great weekend!
- Mr. F
10.03.13
Hello TPOE Band People -
Attached is the long-awaited Chicago Trip itinerary, along with the payment schedule. The Eastside Band has taken wonderful trips since our first venture outside of Georgia in 1998, and next Spring's trip to Chicago is shaping up to be similarly terrific. Here is the gist of the attachment:
1) The trip is scheduled from Friday evening, April 4th to Tuesday evening, April 8th.
2) The itinerary is broken down highlighting the various activities and meals as they are currently scheduled.
3) The cost is $540 and a payment schedule is shown.
4) Finally, we must have a deposit by the end of October.
At the suggestion of Mr. Singleton, we are including the EHS Chorus in this exciting adventure, and like a trip several years ago to Canada, I suspect the time on the road with the chorus will be a lot of fun. While we are planning dedicated fundraisers to help students raise funds for the trip, the initial deposit does need to be paid. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you and please plan now so that the most people possible can go.
Take care and have a great Fall Break - if you're in town, please join us for the away game at Lanier - be sure and see the WBA for details!!!
| chicago_2014-b_itinerary.pdf |
10.02.13
Hello TPOE Band Parents & Students,
We are at the midpoint of the football season, and with Fall Break upon us, I need to get the information in your hands about the Chicago Trip. Our hope is to send information out tomorrow evening. In the meantime, please go ahead and look closely at your calendars and begin giving thought to whether or not your band member/child will be able to go with us. The Eastside Band has a long history of taking fabulous trips and the experiences the kids (and chaperones for that matter) get to share are always terrific!
The trip is slated for Friday, April 4th - Tuesday, April 8th next spring. The cost is $540 and includes a lot. A deposit will be due at the end of October, so we do need to seriously begin considering our plans. Stay tuned and check the website over the next few days.
Here are the plans for next week: We will not be practicing, but we will be traveling to Lanier HS in Gwinnett Co. next Friday night. I should have specifics about that day's itinerary posted by the end of this week. The plan is to leave earlier in the afternoon than we usually leave (since we will not be in school) and stop up the road for supper. It should be a great afternoon/evening!
And finally - Thank you to all who made it out last Saturday to Baldwin County for the band contest. Our next contest is Saturday, Oct. 19th at Rockdale HS in Conyers. Hopefully we will have that schedule at some point in the next few days. With that said, as I said earlier ... Stay Tuned! Thank you again for being part of our band and I do hope everyone has a terrific break!
~ Mr. F
P.S. We are also looking to move the Fall Concert from Tuesday, Oct. 28th to Tues., Nov. 5th. That adjustment to the calendar will be confirmed soon. Thanks!
09.23.13
Hello Eastside Band People -
Here is the link to the Baldwin Co. HS band contest information - http://baldwinband.com/oconee-classic-marching-contest.html
I am also attaching the contest schedule, in the hopes many parents and supporters can make the trip to Milledgeville. TPOE performs at 7:00 pm.
The schedule for Saturday is here on the website's WBA page. Please check there for any changes and/or updates. In the meantime, basically the itinerary for the day is as follows:
Noon - Meet on our practice field in Black Show Shirts and shorts & Band shoes. Make sure you have other clothes or shoes you may need for the day. Colorguard, white tennis shoes will be fine for the rehearsal. We will rehearse and then at 1:30, the Band Boosters will provide us lunch. We will load and roll toward Milledgeville at 2:30.
Once at Baldwin Co. we will - Dress, Warm-up, Perform, Watch two other bands, experience the Contest Awards, and then load-change-eat before departing for Covington. (Most kids ordered the Chick-fil-a meal deal - Please send in the $5. I've asked those who do not want the CFA meal deal to bring something for their supper; I am not sure what will be available at the BCHS concession stands at the time at which we plan to eat.)
I expect us to return to Eastside by approx. 10:30 pm Saturday night. It should prove to be a pretty fun day! Thank you. I remain glad that you and yours are a part of OUR band! GO BAND! GO EAGLES!
~ Mr. F
09.18.13
Hello Band Parents & Students,
The school system has again asked us to complete a survey to help evaluate the job we are doing. In an effort to support this cause, I am posting this note, along with the link to the survey:
PARENT SURVEY - The surveys do need to be completed before the 27th. Thank you for your help!
Students should have completed the student survey last week at school, parents, please visit the link and take the survey at your convenience. It won't take very long and it will help the school as we continue to assess where we are and strive toward where we want to be.
As for the band - The Closer is on the field and we plan to perform the entire show this Friday. We are gearing up for performances at band contests next Saturday, Sept. 28th, in Milledgeville and then on Saturday, Oct. 19th, at Rockdale HS in Conyers.
Next Saturday's performance is tentatively scheduled for 6:50pm at Baldwin HS and I plan to have a detailed itinerary of the schedule for that day posted as soon as the contest schedule is finalized (hopefully in the next few days).
If you've not finished getting your dues in for this year, please do so soon. Thank you to all who have.
Go Band and Go Eagles!!!
~ Mr. F
Straight from Mr. F's twitter account:
Follow Mr. F on twitter!! - @TPOEdirector
09.01.13
Great job Friday night! The show is coming together nicely, and I look forward to seeing the band improve over the next several weeks. Yes - there are a lot of things we can (and need to) work on and fix. And yes - it was just the first time out. But overall Friday night was a great showing for TPOE. The rehearsals between now and the band contests are hugely important. We've got to step-up our marching and continue to work to make the tunes sound GREAT! Thanks for helping to make this past Friday a lot of fun, now let's get ready for Jackson!
Also - Get signed-up for the District Honor Band & All-State Auditions! You can download the form here - they are due back to me no later than September 10th.
~ Mr. F
08.22.13
Good evening TPOE Band People!
There are several important things to note this week. Here goes:
1) We plan to submit another "Show" shirt order next Tuesday. Everyone should have seen the shirt by now (the students took theirs home the other day); they look great! If you would like one for yourself and have not ordered yet, please email me. The price is only $15, plus $3 for XXL or $5 for 3X.
2) The kick-off for the first game is just a week away. The kids have accomplished a lot since we cranked up the band in the summer and we are excited about the first game. All of the details about next Friday will be made clear next week, but for planning purposes I wanted to let everyone know the basic routine now. On Friday, the band will meet back at the school at 5:45 pm, we will have roll call and then load the buses to leave by 6:15 to go to Sharp Stadium (for this first game, we will be the "Visitors"). The game should conclude sometime after 10:00 pm and we can expect to be back at the school a little after 10:30.
All students are expected to ride back to the school with the band, unless parents wish to take their band member home with them from the stadium. If that is the case, please send in a note by Thursday afternoon, detailing which parent will be picking up the student at the end of the game. Then make sure that parent checks the student out with the head chaperone.
3) The Band Booster Concession Training is slated for Tuesday evening during the Band's rehearsal at Sharp Stadium. I believe the Boosters requested for folks to RSVP regarding that training so they can plan to have enough food for your supper. Please email me if you have any questions. (The concession training is always a hoot! You don't want to miss it.)
4) Each week you will see a detailed "Game Day Itinerary" here on the website under the Weekly Band Agenda. Please continue to check this website often for updates!
5) Thank you to everyone who sold Cokes and who helped with the Coke Sale last week. It was one of our more successful Coke sales ever!
That should cover it for now. Please encourage folks to practice, have a nice weekend, and don't forget to get those T-shirt orders in by Monday, and... GO EAGLES!
GO BAND!
~ Mr. F
08.17.13
Hello Everyone!
Well, we have made it through the first two weeks of school and there are several things I can say:
1) We do have great kids in the band!
2) It is nice hearing good things about them - from the Spanish teacher who tells me the band kids in her classes are terrific - to the people living in the nearby neighborhoods who can hear us practicing, and like to tell me we sound great.
3) When people ask me if I'm ready (or is the band ready?) for the first game, I honestly answer, "No, we're not ready, but we are on the right track."
4) Our website looks great!
We've already had a successful Coke Sale and we have been enjoying the best rehearsal attendance ever in the history of the Eastside Band. Thank you to everyone who has helped the year to get off to a good start.
Next up, I will be encouraging students to register for District & All-State Band Auditions and we will formally be announcing trip plans for the spring.
If you haven't gotten on board with the Band Boosters, now is a great time. Plan to join us at Sharp Stadium on Tuesday, August 27th for the Concession Training while the band rehearses.
Thanks for your support and don't hesitate to e-mail or call me with questions. Oh - and be sure to follow TPOEdirector on Twitter.
Musically,
~ Mr. F
08.02.13
Good evening! Here are three things I need to share with everyone:
- On the syllabus sent home today, I mistakenly listed the Remind101 code as @TPOEband and that is incorrect. All MB & CG people should actually text @TPOE to (424) 543-7245. I apologize for the confusion.
- Please get out there and sell Cokes and other Coca-cola products this weekend! The flyer can be found HERE and the orders are due Monday. Remember, $1 per case goes directly into each student's account, but if you sell 10 or more cases, $2 will go to each student. *Special News - The Top Seller will win two tickets to Six Flags.
- New on our website, you will be able to follow a link to the TPOE Google calendar. You can click HERE to go directly to it. There you will be able to keep up with the goings-on of the Eastside Band. After the start of our start of our regular MB rehearsal schedule and the pictures next Thursday, the next big event is the Band Booster meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening, Aug. 13th. Please plan to join us at 6:30pm; the band will be practicing, so bring your child and stay awhile.
Finally, we did have a great first day at Eastside and I am looking forward to next week. Please remember to have a parent confirm each CHARMS account and to e-mail me here.
Look to receive a band apparel order form from me on Monday. Thank you and have a great weekend!
~ Mr. F
07.23.2013
Hello Everyone!
Our pre-camp rehearsals went very well, this week's Band Camp is off to a great start, and things are already shaping up for the fall to be terrific!
We have an outstanding staff coming in to help with our students, we have wonderful volunteers working to feed, outfit, and take care of us, and we have a GREAT group of young people who will make up this year's edition of TPOE.
If you have not already logged-on to the Charms Office website, please do so. The school code is eastsidehsband, and your password is your student number. There you will see lots of band information and you will have access to the many other things we will do through Charms this year. Thank you to those of you who have already squared away your band fees for this coming year; if you haven't yet, please get on it. The details can be seen in your Charms account. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me with any questions.
Also, parents, please plan to attend the Eastside Open House on Wednesday, July 31st from 6-8 pm after which you will be able to see a performance by TPOE at 8:15. There are lots of great ways to get involved with the band and July 31st is just the beginning.
And kids, please be at school and ready to work each day this week at 8am sharp! We plan to get a lot accomplished this week, and I know we will reap the benefits throughout the year. Like I told everyone today, by starting an hour earlier, we can enjoy an additional hour of cooler weather each day.
Finally, please bookmark the band's website here and check it often for information. The Band Camp schedule is here, and there are a number of other things that will help keep you "in-tune" with the Eastside Bands. Once school starts, you can always check The Weekly Band Agenda.
Thank you! Have a great week - and Kids: Be sure to hydrate yourselves and to eat a good breakfast!
- Mr. F
07.16.2013
It's time! Our Pre-Camp week is going well and we add more people tomorrow. Make sure you have a flip folder - Harris Band Instruments has them - you need one. We will start with instruments Friday.
Band Camp is next week. Click here for the full schdule - BAND CAMP
- Mr. F
It's time! Our Pre-Camp week is going well and we add more people tomorrow. Make sure you have a flip folder - Harris Band Instruments has them - you need one. We will start with instruments Friday.
Band Camp is next week. Click here for the full schdule - BAND CAMP
- Mr. F
04.03.2013
It's the summer! I look forward to what should be a great year next year. Do get in touch with me if you have any questions and have a great summer!
- Mr. F
04.03.2013
Hello TPOE People (students and parents): Thank you for being part of and for what you mean to our band. I know that the Eastside Band is special and it wouldn't be nearly so without you. Please check out the band calendar links on our homepage, and plan to join us for the excitement that remains during the last seven weeks of the school year.
And for people who will be with us for 2013-14 ... GET READY!!!
Musically,
-Mr. F
03.17.2013
Way to go at LGPE people! Hands down the Concert & Symphonic Bands have both just completed the best back-to-back run in school history. Now let's go for a 3-peat! Thank you for making such wonderful music, people. And a special thank you to all the parents who came out to support us.
And if you haven't seen it yet, click here to enjoy the Symphonic Band's SUPERIOR Celebration.
03.03.2013
Congratulations to the Eastside All-State Band Participants! Great job this weekend in Savannah and to the rest of the band, let's see that we have (more) people representing us in Athens in 2014.
Way to go Sneed, Kenny, & Reid!!!
It's the summer! I look forward to what should be a great year next year. Do get in touch with me if you have any questions and have a great summer!
- Mr. F
04.03.2013
Hello TPOE People (students and parents): Thank you for being part of and for what you mean to our band. I know that the Eastside Band is special and it wouldn't be nearly so without you. Please check out the band calendar links on our homepage, and plan to join us for the excitement that remains during the last seven weeks of the school year.
And for people who will be with us for 2013-14 ... GET READY!!!
Musically,
-Mr. F
03.17.2013
Way to go at LGPE people! Hands down the Concert & Symphonic Bands have both just completed the best back-to-back run in school history. Now let's go for a 3-peat! Thank you for making such wonderful music, people. And a special thank you to all the parents who came out to support us.
And if you haven't seen it yet, click here to enjoy the Symphonic Band's SUPERIOR Celebration.
03.03.2013
Congratulations to the Eastside All-State Band Participants! Great job this weekend in Savannah and to the rest of the band, let's see that we have (more) people representing us in Athens in 2014.
Way to go Sneed, Kenny, & Reid!!!