February 13, 2010: The Data DVD is HERE
For those of you that ordered the Trip DVD from CreativeTravelSites.com (through this site) it has been shipped in the mail to you. You should be receiving it shortly. Thanks for your support and enjoy the material.
January 13, 2010: The After Trip Page is NOW POSTED!
Click Here to view it now.
Creativetravelsites.com is proud to finish the jeffinsandiego09.com website with these elements that we documented, but didn't have time to show you during the trip. We hope that you have enjoyed the website as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you! The site will remain online indefinitely for you to remember what a great time we had!
Journal Page Day SIX is NOW POSTED!
All video is in Quicktime 7 format. Click the icon to the left to download Quicktime for FREE if you don't already have it.
JANUARY 2, 2010: JOURNAL PAGE DAY 6 - NEW UPDATE: The Journal
Page for the last day is now posted!! View Journal
Page Day 6.
IMPORTANT AUDIO UPDATE FROM MR. HOUK: Play Now
ESPN didn't televise the half-time show.....We, however recorded it! EXCLUSIVE to the Jefferson in San Diego 09 site. Click here to view now.
See the unedited parade performance from San Diego TV. Click here to view now.
DECEMBER 31: JOURNAL PAGE DAY 4 - NEW UPDATE: The Journal
Page for the fourth day is now posted!! The Slideshow and Best of Pictures
are still forthcoming as we had over 750 pictures to sort through. Exclusive
though is the halftime show in High Definition !! Journal
Page Day 4.
Follow us on Twitter and get an automatic update when we post new pages.
For an example of some of these great pictures, check out the "Featured Picture" page. This page gives you a preview of just some of the 100's of pictures that will be posted on the journal pages.
Click here to view this page.
Sign up to view photos and media. New media being uploaded now DAILY.
Click here!
Having problems signing-up? E-mail the webmasters. We will help you!
Welcome!
Welcome to the Band of Blue's website dedicated to the band's
Winter Break 2009/2010 trip.
Look here for all your future trip information. During the trip, postings
will be made daily in the form of video, audio, and photographic medias.
Watch along as the Band of Blue enjoys Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, and entertains at the 2009 Holiday Bowl Game!
December 25: Students Look Forward to San Diego
A small sampling what students are looking forward to in San Diego. To see the entire video, go to the Pre-Trip Page.
San Diego Question Sampler - 6.47MB
View the 10-Day San Diego weather forecast here (Downloadable pdf document)
December 22: JEFFERSON BAND OF BLUE - Holiday Greetings
A big Thank You and Happy Holidays from the volunteer coordinators and executive
board of the Jefferson Band Parents. Thanks to all of you who have helped
us in one way or another in 2009. We hope you have a wonderful and restful
break and come back in 2010, regenerated and ready for the new year.
Don’t forget if you volunteered to help check luggage on Sunday, we will meet in Mr. Houk's side of the band room at 5:30 to go over things quickly while the students meet in the auditorium for last minute instructions. I will check this email periodically over break so if you need to contact me , please feel free. Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
December 22: Parents Meeting Video (from 12/15)
For your review - here is the entire parents meeting video with powerpoints edited in from Tuesday, December 15th. View it all or view it in segments to find the specific information you are looking for.
Entire Parents Meeting (all) - 480.80MB
Segments:
Part 1 - Overview and Philosophy - 43.39MB
Part 2 - Things To Do Before We Go - 68.41MB
Part 3 - Leaving, TSA, and Airports - 85.33MB
Part 4 - Itinerary Explained - 122.49MB
Part 5 - What To Take, Money, Expectations - 81.33MB
Part 6 - Health Concerns - 67.59MB
Part 7 - Conclusion and Questions - 38.44MB
December 21: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl 2008 Music Festival Documentary
So what will your experience in San Diego be like? We've scoured the internet and found a documentary, produced by the Bowl Games of America, of the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl 2008 Music Festival. It covers mass band rehearsals, the parade, the day at Sea World, and even an awards ceremony. Approx. 1/2 an hour total.
Documentary Part I (via YouTube)
December 21: Holiday Bowl Reminders
This is a very important reminder that we are loading everyone’s Holiday Bowl garment bags and instruments (except flute and clarinets) TOMORROW after school.
Everyone needs:
1. Garment Bag (use a piece of masking tape and clearly mark student’s name)
2. Uniform Coat
3. Uniform Pant
4. Hat
5. Gloves (extras will be available Tuesday)
6. Conquest of Gold shirt
7. Black Socks
8. Black Shoes
Colorguard and Drum Major have different uniforms that we have talked about.
Be sure that instruments are secured with a luggage strap.
If you are a parent who volunteered to help check and load tomorrow - THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Those parents can please report to the auditorium between 2:30 and 3:00 to be trained on how we will check instruments and load the trailer.
Thanks!
Andy Houk
Jefferson Bands
December 18: Update from Mr. Houk
An audio update from Mr. Houk about the trip. (mp3 file)
Play Message Now
December 18: JEFFERSON BAND OF BLUE - IMPORTANT Holiday Bowl Information
Last night I learned that everyone (including adults) who is traveling to San Diego must provide their complete MIDDLE NAME, not just middle initial. This is for the TSA pre-screening process that we must do for our charter flight.
This morning, during class, I will have students complete a form indicating their middle name.
I also need the adult middle names today. Parents If you are going,– Please email me your complete legal name as it appears on your driver’s license. I also need any other family members (including children) who are traveling as Followers or Chaperones.
One last reminder that all FORMS are due TODAY!
Practice today is from 4-6 at Mt. Mercy. We have arranged rides for students who have asked. We can still help students who might need a ride. They simply need to let us know! Students are reminded that they must bring their tennis shoes.
Only 9 days until sunny San Diego!
Andy Houk
Jefferson Bands
December 17: Powerpoint Presentations from Tuesday's Meeting
View Mr. Houk's complete Power Point presentation from this meeting by
clicking the icon to the right.
There was a huge amount of useful information given.
Must have Microsoft Power Point Viewer 2007 installed. Download here for FREE.
View Mrs. Wheeler's complete Medical Power Point presentation from this meeting by
clicking the icon to the right.
December 16: FRUIT IS IN!! - Get it while it's fresh!
December 16: Message from Mr. Houk
An audio reminder from Mr. Houk about the forms and the due date!
Play Message Now
December 16: Holiday Bowl Prep: Friday Rehearsal
Instructions for Friday’s Holiday Bowl Rehearsal
Due to the continued inclement weather, we have been seeking an indoor venue
for marching rehearsal in further preparation for the Holiday Bowl Parade.
Mrs. Schneekloth has secured the Hennessey Recreation Center at Mt. Mercy
College for rehearsal on Friday. Rehearsal will begin at 4:00 P.M. Students
are asked to coordinate rides in one of the following ways:
1. Student driver;
2. Secure a ride with another student driver;
3. Parent driver;
4. See Mr. Driskell to secure a ride, and I will coordinate with parent volunteers.
Equipment
Sousaphones and Drumline will be transported by trailer.
All other instruments are to go with students. We will make an announcement if cases are to be left in vehicles.
Directions:
Travel east on 1st Avenue
Turn left on 20th Street NE proceeding until it becomes Prairie Drive
The Campus will be on your left
Attached is a link to the campus map:
http://www.mtmercy.edu/index.php?id=907
PLEASE READ: From Mrs. Schneekloth and Mr. Reisinger, Mt. Mercy Director of Activities
There will also be rules for the students to follow. First and foremost, the students will have to bring an extra pair of DRY tennis shoes to change into before going on to the gym floor at Mt. Mercy College. Any student not following this rule will not be allowed on the floor, or will have to go with just socks. NO street shoes on the gym floor. Also, students should enter the Hennessey Center by the lower door. There is a parking lot at the backside of the center, and the doors lead to an entry way which allows access to the gym.
Also, we are only allowed in the gym. Students will not
be allowed to roam anywhere on campus or investigate the workout center
(also in the Hennessey Center) or any other place not authorized. The sidewalks
leading to the Center and the parking lots at Mt. Mercy are pretty well
maintained by the maintenance staff, but students and parents should be
advised to be careful of any ice that may be present while coming to and
from the facility.
This is a big favor to our Jefferson Band of Blue. Most facilities all over Cedar Rapids are busy with basketball practices and completely unavailable. Mt. Mercy College finished up with final exams last week, and has a reduced basketball schedule during this week. Students should be aware that, as they enter the gym at Mt. Mercy, there may be students shooting hoops or a practice just finishing up. Jefferson students should please be patient while the gym floor is cleared and then they may go ahead and go on to the floor to proceed with band practice.
Again, THANK YOU to Mrs. Schneekloth and Mr. Reisinger for this opportunity!! The students have been preparing well and we look forward to (MUCH) warmer weather in San Diego.
Mr. Driskell
December 15: Holiday Bowl Meeting Forms
Click the Word icon to the right to download a copy of the Holiday Bowl Tour Contract.
Click the Word icon to the right to download a copy of the Holiday Bowl "No Insurance" form.
Click the Word icon to the right to download a copy of the Cedar Rapids Community Schools Overnight/Extended School Sponsored Event Emergency Imformation Form.
The above forms were passed out at the Parent's meeting and are due by this Friday, December 18.
Thanks!
Andy Houk
Jefferson Bands
December 15: Holiday Bowl Medical Forms
Dear Holiday Bowl Parents,
CLICK HERE to download a Word document of the Holiday Bowl Tour medical form that will be passed out at tonight's meeting. Please take a few minutes to read this over. We require every person, student and adult (including staff) to complete this form.
I will pass out the actual forms on colored paper tonight to be filled out, but I thought it might help you to take a look at them in advance. Our medical staff will go over all things medical at tonight's meeting and answer any and all questions that you might have at that time. These forms will be due to me by this Friday, December 18.
Thanks!
Andy Houk
Jefferson Bands
December 15: Holiday Bowl Parent Meeting Reminder
This is a reminder of the Holiday Bowl meeting that was rescheduled for today, TUESDAY, December 15 at 7:00 PM in the Jefferson Bandroom.
Another reminder that FRUIT will be delivered this WEDNESDAY, December 16. Everyone who sold fruit must pick up their fruit Wednesday between 2:00 and 6:00 pm in the Jefferson Bandroom.
Thanks!
Andy Houk
Jefferson Bands
December 15: Holiday Bowl Preparation
Dear Holiday Bowl Students and Parents,
Mr. Houk had sent an email last week with information and the adjusted schedule. We further reinforced the schedule for the week with the students in the band period.
This week’s Holiday Bowl preparation:
Tuesday, December 15 – Rehearsal is after school to 6:00 P.M. (moved for show choir)
Wednesday, December 16 – Rehearsal is after school to 4:30 P.M. (to accommodate show choir on church night)
Thursday was moved to Tuesday in order to accommodate the choir.
Friday, December 18 – Rehearsal is after school to 6:00 P.M.
Students go to Holiday Bowl Prep and then show choir (this has been worked out with the choir department). Food will be provided by the choir parents for students in show choir.
We have been working with those students that have basketball, bowling, swimming, etc.
We have been trying and continue to work to secure an indoor rehearsal area. Kingston was very effective rehearsal space for parade preparation prior to the storm that was described as epic/historic!
Thank you!
Thad Driskell
December 14: Holiday Bowl Parade Route
Holiday Bowl Big Bay Balloon Parade. Telecast begins on USA at 9am January
1st.
Click
Here to View the full-size Parade Route image
Click
Here to get all the Parade FAQs.
December 7: Holiday Bowl Team Lineup Announced
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- No. 22 Arizona will face 20th-rated Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30 in San Diego.
Read the full article here...
December 7: Holiday Bowl Parent Meeting Rescheduled to Tuesday, December 15
The required parent meeting for the Holiday Bowl was scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8th. As we all have heard from the media, a significant winter storm including a blizzard watch is in the forecast. Therefore our meeting has been rescheduled.
The required parent meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, December 15 at 7:00 pm in the Jefferson Bandroom.
This meeting is REQUIRED for all parents who have students traveling to San Diego. We will provide trip details, expectations and answer questions at this meeting. A parent must attend this meeting. If there is a conflict we ask parents to send a responsible adult (family member like grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.- not older brother/sister) to the meeting to represent parents. Students are not required to attend this meeting. This meeting will last 1 - 1½ hours.
Holiday Bowl Practices
If school is canceled, there will NOT be practice. If school is dismissed early, there will NOT be practice.We are working on securing an alternate indoor practice site. Until then all practices are at Jefferson.
November 16: 2009 Holiday Bowl Preparation:
FYI – While some conflict in schedule exists, the schedule has
been coordinated between directors to minimize these conflicts.
PERFORMANCE – Meet in the Gymnasium
Friday December 4 Holiday Bowl Band 7:00 P.M. Pep Band
All Holiday Bowl participants – this is a chance to meet as a group and
play as an ensemble. This also allows the ninth graders traveling to meet
the upperclassmen prior to rehearsals. DRESS: Conquest of Gold t-shirt,
jeans, and athletic shoes. Ninth graders will receive a t-shirt prior to
the performance.
REHEARSALS – Kingston Stadium and Jefferson Band Room
Monday December 7 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
Tuesday December 8 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
Dress appropriately!! The temperature may (or may not) be chilly or colder
in December parade preparation. San Diego will be warmer! Students are required
to wear athletic shoes for the parade marching rehearsals and encouraged
to dress in layers, wear gloves, and wear hats.
MEETING – Jefferson Auditorium
Tuesday December 8 MEETING 7:00 P.M.
This is a mandatory meeting for all parents (students are welcome).
REHEARSALS – Kingston Stadium and Jefferson Band Room
Wednesday December 9 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
Thursday December 10 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
PERFORMANCE – Meet in the Band Room
Friday December 11 Holiday Bowl Band 6:00 P.M. Pep Band
All Holiday Bowl participants - Perform “The Love Show” and “Magical Mystery
Tour” at the game. DRESS: Full uniform including black shoes, black socks,
white gloves, and full Band of Blue uniform (bring your shako hat to be
certain we have correct sizes).
REHEARSALS – Kingston Stadium and Jefferson Band Room
Wednesday December 16 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
Thursday December 17 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
Friday December 18 Rehearsal 3:15 – 6:00 P.M.
LOAD EQUIPMENT
Tuesday December 22 Load Equipment 3:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Load all instruments and equipment for the Holiday Bowl and final announcements
prior to the beginning of break.
October 6: Band of Blue on Fox News
September 15: Holiday Bowl Announcements
Dear Holiday Bowl Parents/Students,
Our exciting trip to sunny San Diego is drawing closer! In preparation for the trip we need to organize student and adult rooming configurations. All Holiday Bowl students need to figure out who their 3 roommates will and sign up in the band hall.
Below is a copy of the instructions given to students concerning roommate sign-ups. This system works very well as long as students follow some basic guidelines:
- 4 students per room…all same gender, of course!
- It is the student’s responsibility to arrange their room configuration. Parents – be sure that you have discussed who your child plans to room with & to confirm that the other 3 students agree to share the room. Sometimes misunderstandings occur when students promise to room with more than one group!
- Students MUST sign their own names. PRINT NEATLY. Do not erase/cross
off names.
All 4 students should be together when they sign up for rooms. We want students to sign their OWN NAME to the list to ensure that everyone is in the room that they want to be - EVERYONE MUST sign up for a room
- Everyone must sign up by Monday, September 21
- Any student who does not follow these instructions risks being assigned a room by the directors.
Selecting roommates is a privilege. Rooms will be assigned by Mr. Houk if the above expectations are not fulfilled.
Additionally we need to weigh and measure every instrument’s dimensions for the trip. More to follow next week on this.
Parents – The fundraiser profits will be sent to Integrity soon. Please estimate your profit and reduce that from your next payment.
Followers and Chaperones - Please email me your rooming requests. If you need help arranging aroommate please indicate that in your email, and we’ll have a parent volunteer help organize this for you.
THERE IS STILL LIMITED ROOM FOR STUDENTS AND OR ADULTS. Email Mr Houk at ahouk@cr.k12.ia.us if you are interested!
May 4 Parent's Meeting Video
Video from the May Parent's Meeting is available below.
Video is in Quicktime 7 format. Click the icon to the left to download Quicktime for FREE if you don't already have it.
Part 1 - Mr. Houk (1) 92 MB
Part 2 - John Piquett 46 MB
Part 3 - Mr. Houk (2) 56 MB
Part 4 - Questions 35 MB
View the complete Power Point presentation from this meeting by clicking the icon to the right.
There was a huge amount of useful information given.Must have Microsoft Power Point Viewer installed. Download here for FREE.
Parent's Letter
Click the Word icon to the right to download a copy of the Parent's Letter that was sent out in April from John Piquett, President of Integrity Travel, the trip provider.
