Just a reminder...

Our Winter Camp is Saturday, Jan. 6th from 1pm - 8pm. The location, as of now, is at the Intermediate School Gym. Check the blog Saturday morning for the definite location. I will post it before 12noon on Saturday. Can't access the blog? Call me.

Notes for Saturday...

• You MUST be early to whatever rehearsal site is chosen. We will start on time.
• Be sure you are in all black. I have a fellow circuit member attending rehearsal.
• Don't eat a large lunch. We will break for dinner from 5pm - 6pm. No member will be permitted to leave the rehearsal site during the break.

Parents...if you have volunteered to bring items for dinner, please have them at the site by 4:45pm. Our meeting will begin promptly after 5pm.

Other Announcements...

• Many have asked about contributing to the flower order for Ms. Hannah's service. The Color Guard and Dance Line divided the totals by the membership and a check was written to Mrs. Dunaway for the order. Everything has been taken care of.
• The deadline for all sponsorship forms is Jan. 31.
• Account statements for each member will be issued on Saturday.

Check this out. This is what I will be doing all day, everyday, this summer. Seniors...what about you?

~Lindsey Harrison

Merry Christmas, Everyone

I'm sure everyone has enjoyed their scholastic break. Whether it was Santa Claus who visited, a menorah that was lit, or spending time with loved ones, I truly hope you all have experienced the magical Spirit this season has to offer. Remember...

Thursday

• 10am - 1pm in the Elem. Gym. You should have already turned in forms I-IV (see list below) and completed payments as per page 6 of your handbook. We will again take a snack break around 11:30. Be cautious of what you eat before rehearsal.

Status of forms...

- N. Coleman - complete

- R. Dunaway - complete

- H. Harris - complete

- A. Johnson - complete

- K. King - I, II, III, IV

- E. Moore - complete

- B. Rice - I, II, III, IV

- N. Rice - I, II, III, IV

- H. Visser - complete

- D. Weldon - complete

I am also going to email all of the members the song when I get back to Birmingham Wednesday afternoon. Please check to see if this works for you. I'm afraid many computers won't be compatible, but we will try.

Check this out. All kinds of weird, huh.

~Lindsey Harrison

Holiday Info...

As I sit in the lab 45 minutes before our test (of course I wrote down the wrong time), I think "what better time to blog?!" Mother, it's computer music. No worries. :)

Schedules...

Thursday, Dec 21 ~ 10am - 1pm in the Elem. Gym. Don't eat a heavy breakfast but do bring a light snack. We'll take a break around 11:30. Rifles, bring your guns so I can re-tape them over the break.

Thursday, Dec 28 ~ 5pm - 7pm (tentative) in the Elem. Gym. Again be cautious of what you eat prior to rehearsal.

Fees and Sponsor Forms...

As of Dec. 28, everyone should be paid up according to the following: New = 130.00, Vet = 102.00. You will receive an account statement at the conclusion of rehearsal.

Be diligent in getting these sponsor forms finished. If you need more of either the brochure or forms, just let me know. If you need suggestions, just ask. The deadline for forms is Jan. 31.

Parents...please plan on meeting with me on Jan 6th at 5pm-6pm. This is our big rehearsal day and we'll hash out show transportation and other things while the kids eat. Just let me know if you can attend. We need everyone we can.

Parents...your student has received an updated calendar dated 11/29/06. This new format allows me to insert a publication date in the bottom left hand corner. Please be sure you are using a current calendar when making plans. If ever in doubt, just let me know and I'll email you a current copy.

It was such a pleasant evening with the Bands of Chelsea. The 8th grade and Symphonic bands were just so inspiring! Next fall is going to be great. Please have a great weekend! Be safe.

Check THIS out for a little inspiration. You might see some of this in your show. ;)

You can also read about one of the sweetest units in our circuit HERE. These are great kids, just like mine. :)

~Lindsey Harrison

This week...

Tuesday

• 6:30 - 8:30 @ Elem. Gym (use side door in the courtyard) Don't be late.
• All black, always.
• Don't forget your flag.
• Consult your handbook (page 6) for the fee schedule. You need to stay on top of this. Checks payable to Chelsea High School Band - Winter Guard.
• Forms I-IV must be signed and turned in.
• Bring any completed sponsor forms. You have until Jan. 31 to get these in.

Thursday

• 6:30 High School Band Concert. We need to support our band and fellow members who will be performing. Best of luck, Alyson and Christin!!!

Click HERE to see why dogs (like my own) are o so superior.

~Lindsey Harrison

Nothing this Saturday...

The Winn-Dixie event hasn't gone through. So...sleep in tomorrow.

Next practice - Tuesday 6:30-8:30, Elem Gym

More info to come. ~Lindsey Harrison

All kinds of delayed...

I hope everyone has enjoyed their time off from regular rehearsals. However, (start jumping for joy and stuff) 'tis now time to truly begin our 2007 winter season. Thursday

• 4th Period - I will be at school and we will get the measuring done. It won't take long at all.
• 6:30 - 8:30 at the Elementary School Gym. Remember: all black, capri-like pants or shorts, forms I - IV, any completed sponsor forms. You also must have a check for $50 made payable to "Chelsea High School - Winter Guard. Be advised - we are on a tight schedule. You must be at least 7 minutes early so we can begin on time. DO NOT BE LATE.

Saturday

• Possible Fund-Raiser at Winn-Dixie from 9ish to 1ish. This will go to "Member Cost." I'm not sure of the times and it's not set yet. It's posted just so you know of the possibility.

I don't have a sketch of the dress to show you, but, HERE, HERE, and HERE are some samples of Mrs. Bonnie's work. She's the best.

This week's video clip HERE. How cool is that?!

~Lindsey Harrison

This week with The Color Guard of Chelsea High...

In light of the recent tragedy, all events scheduled for this school week have been cancelled. Our thoughts and prayers, as a unit, are with all of the families involved in this horrific incident. A memorial for Ms. Hannah Yeager is scheduled for Thursday, November 30 at 4pm at Liberty Baptist.

This Saturday morning/afternoon, the members have their first opportunity for a fund-raiser. We will do a road-block and all proceeds will go directly to the "Member Cost." Please RSVP by either email or comment below.

Road Block Details...

- meet at Benson Plaza at 9:15.

- members, wear your warm up. it's going to be 50ish.

- everyone is responsible for their own sign and bucket.

~Lindsey Harrison Lingerfelt

Businesses...

These businesses have been spoken for:

Walton Mortgage, Coosa Pines Credit Union, Liberty Baptist, Remax- Scott Howell, America's First Federal Credit Union, Sniders Pharmacy, Autry Electronics, Deep South, Johnny Rays, SCP Pools, Gotcha Covered Blinds, Snappy Auction, Realty South – Alonza Jones, Dr. Andrea Lamberson, Dr. Keith Davis, Dr. Justin Fogo, Greystone Pharmacy, D & K Builders, Remax -Jean Tate, Movie Gallery, HBR Lighting, Chelsea Lane, Avanti, The Church at Brook Hills...

Don't forget - you still have to email me your available businesses so I can post them on here.

ADDITIONAL POST BELOW

First Winter Guard Post...

To any new readers we might have acquired...if you would like email notification of when the blog is updated, send an email to lhlingerfelt@yahoo.com. Welcome to the blog!

Thanks to all of those who made it last night. For those of you who didn't, make sure you get a handbook, sponsor forms, and brochures. Get with someone and make sure you understand everything. Questions, just ask me.

About the sponsor form and brochures...

• Every business gets a brochure. If they ask for more, give them more. We can always make more copies. Mr. Lawley has more of both as well.
• Be sure you email me a list of businesses you want to contact and WAIT for me to reply. All of this is on a first-come first serve basis. This isn't an option.
• Be as courteous and professional as possible. We want to use these sponsors again for more seasons.
• Give checks to Mrs. Newman to deposit. Keep your form and I will get them at a rehearsal.

Your calendars are 70% correct. I will get updated copies to you ASAP. Sorry. As of now, your first rehearsal is Nov 30 at 6pm. Keep checking the blog for more info.

Get all of those forms (I-IV) filled out. I will take them up at the first rehearsal. Remember, you can't compete until I have all four forms, signed, on file. :)

HERE is the most important video you will ever see.

~Lindsey Harrison

Winter Guard Info and Other Stuff...

Fall Guard

Thursday in the lobby from 5:30 - 6:30. Don't miss it.

Friday Call - be at school by 4:30 and in the lobby by 5:00. DO NOT BE LATE.

Winter Guard Info

Forms - I must have your registration form and all of your references in my hand by Friday at 5. Be sure this happens.

Schedules - Below is a rough schedule. Some of you mentioned concern. Check this and, if there is a problem, let me know.

Clinic - in the Band Room this Saturday from 1pm-4pm. Fall guard members that are doing winter guard, I need you there. Non-fall guard members that are auditioning for winter guard, YOU MUST BE THERE.

Rough Winter Guard Schedule

Nov 16 - Mandatory Parent/Performer Meeting

Nov 30 - Rehearsal 6-8

Dec 7 - Rehearsal 6-8

Dec 14 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 6 - Camp 1-8*

Jan 9 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 11 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 16 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 18 - Rehearsal 6-8*

Jan 19 - Basketball Half-time

Jan 20 - Comp. @ Oak Grove

Jan 23 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 25 - Rehearsal 6-8

Jan 29 - Basketball Half-time

Jan 30 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 1 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 6 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 8 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 10 - Comp. @ Kell (Marietta, GA)

Feb 13 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 15 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 20 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 22 - Rehearsal 6-8

Feb 24 & 25 - Comp at Pell City

March 3 - Possible trip to ATL

March 6 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 8 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 10 & 11 - Comp at Hoover

March 13 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 15 - Rehearsal 6-8 (Slightly possible show in Florence, AL)

March 17 & 18 - Comp at Lawrence County (Lawrenceburg, TN)

March 20 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 22 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 24 - Possible trip to Nash-vegas (Nashville)

March 27 - Rehearsal 6-8

March 29 - Rehearsal 5-8*

March 30 & 31 - Championships in Chattanooga, TN

Here are the brief attendance polices:

Rehearsals - You can miss up to 3. I must know at least a week in advance. The "freebies" can not be applied to rehearsals marked with a *.

Performances - listed above as Basketball games and comps. You do not miss any performance. The only exception is extreme, unavoidable, and unforseeable family emergencies. It must be all 3. Take note, we had perfect attendance all fall, except one time. It fit the requirements. (We love you Courtney!)

See you on Thursday. Check THIS out.

~Lindsey Harrison Lingerfelt

Updated times...

We will use the following schedule this week to finish getting ready for Friday's Pep-Rally:

Tuesday 4pm - 5:30pm in the Band Room

Thursday 5:30pm - 7pm in the Band Room

Remember- these are extra only for the Pep-Rally. Everyone should be working during 4th to expedite the process. If you can't be at a rehearsal, YOU MUST CALL ME!!!

Warm-ups should be ready for Friday. You might get winter guard info today at school. I will explain what current members need to do on Tuesday. I think everyone should consider being in the first ever winter guard at Chelsea!

Check out some of THIS. This is my group's (The Colts) recruiting clip. Any of you would be well suited, especially seniors ;)

~Lindsey Harrison

Spin happy...

A few updates you should know...

• I emailed the place for warm-ups and bags today. They're going as fast as they can. We should expect a sample by the end of the week. Then we place orders and TA DA- warm-ups.
• I have begun putting together resources for winter guard sponsorship. Once I have everything together, we'll have a meeting. We will have open auditions with a preceding clinic after the last regular football game.
• Still no invoice for the Bloch shoes. When that comes in, I can send them off.

Tuesday - Rehearsal with Band from 3:30 - 5:30 - I can't be at practice. I'm dying. Please be productive.

Thursday - Rehearsal with Band from 3:30 - 5:30 - Sectional from 7pm - 8:30 pm. This is the only mandatory sectional all week. DO NOT MISS OR BE LATE. After all, this is competition week. Also, everyone bring your $5 for last week's dinner.

Friday - Everyone stays at school to get ready. You must be in the lobby ready to load the bus at 4:30. Do not be late for any reason. We will walk from the lobby to the bus after a run-through. Our tentative depature time is 5pm. You need to ride to Sylacauga in partial uniform. Hair should be in rollers and make-up can be fixed on the bus.

Check list for Friday

-blanket

-black or Chelsea jacket

-gloves

-kerosine heater

-coffee (i might get thirsty)

Saturday - Tentative Call is 11am in the lobby ready to stretch. Again...polos and black bottoms. Put your unitard on before you do you hair! Hair needs to be in curlers and covered in a bandana or something similar. Make-up can be done on the bus or before you get there. YOU MUST BE IN THE BLOCK AT 10:55. DO NOT BE LATE.

This week's video HERE

~Lindsey Harrison

Don't get too Moody...

Sorry for the delay. One word...MID-TERMS!!! AHHH

Friday

Your call is at 4:30. Again, yummy tummy stuff from moms (or dads). We will begin stretches at 5:15. Be in the block ready to go before then. I will post a timeline in the choir room. It is your responsibility to be in the right place at the right time wearing the right thing. Be mature and be ready on time.

Anymore pep-rally ideas?

I think it should look something like this... click HERE.

~Lindsey Harrison

Pep Rally Music...

Remember to forward your suggestions to me by Wednesday! I will announce the show at Thursday's rehearsal.

Some entertainment...HERE << ~Lindsey Harrison

This just in...

GET YOUR PANTS HEMMED!!!!!

and don't forget to leave a comment

Monday

• Rehearsal with band 3:30 - 5:00
• NO SECTIONALS... i'm sick

Tuesday

• Rehearsal with band 3:30 - 5:30

Wednesday

• Let me remind you of a past excerpt... Click HERE

Thursday

• Rehearsal with band 3:30 - 5:30
• Sectionals 7:00 - 8:30 - This is the only one this week. Be there!

Friday

• CHHS at Anniston - Click HERE (j/k. we'll be fine)
• Members will stay at school to get ready. Make sure you bring everything with you that morning. We have to leave at 4:30. Dinner will be provided.

Saturday

• OUR FIRST CONTEST!!! The Lake Martin Invitational ~ Click HERE for performance schedule and more info.
• Call - 10am in the lobby. Your equipment will already be loaded. We will do a strech intensive and then a walk-through with the band around 12noon.
• Arrive in partial uniform.
• Hair in rollers and make-up complete.

As promised...this week's video here.

~Lindsey Harrison

On the docket...

Be advised...there are two new posts. Don't forget to leave a comment on one of them.

Thursday

• Rehearsal with Band 3:30 - 5:30
• Sectionals in Eastunder 7:00 - 8:30

Friday

• Call at 4:30. Refer to timeline below. Again we have mommas making us yummy tummy stuff. The dance line will join us as well.

Saturday

• ROAD TRIP...I'm going to one of the oldest and most prestigious marching competitions in Alabama. You should come too! It's the Mid-South Comp in Gadsden. Many good guards will be there (list to come) and The Marching Southerners of JSU will present their show. It will be a very relaxed day. Admission is usually around $8 for the whole day. I will leave Bham around noon and return around 11pm. Just let me know if you want to go.

Timeline for Friday

4:30 - 5:25 Call. Dinner will be provided. Eat, drink, and be merry but don't forget to finish getting ready. Also, go to the restroom!

5:25 - 5:30 Transit to lobby for warm-up. Be in the block before time to start.

5:30 - 6:20 Stretch and warm-up. Be sure you're familiar with the "double" warm-up. We'll go through the show and begin our focus.

6:20 - 6:29 Dismiss to the trailer. Make sure your bag is on the trailer immediately following warm-up. Once it's loaded, do whatever you need to do. Take care of momma bag issues as well. Be ready to enter the band room at 6:29.

6:29 - 6:30 Transit to the band room. Remember to be quiet.

We've had a few issues about being in the right place at the right time. Be proactive and ready to go when you're supposed to. It's gotten better every week. Let's make it perfect this week.

~Lindsey Harrison

Thoughts on last Saturday...

I think this was our first time to perform with wind. It was a good show, but not a good as Friday night. However, you performed for a different crowd on Saturday. You proved that our unit is a contender and that others might want to think twice before questioning your credibility. You should be proud.

Below are random, individual thoughts from the judge (in italics) and myself:

1. precision - ok. This is why we count. When you do, it's clean. When you don't, it's not. You have to listen and watch Carrie and make sure you're exactly where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there.

2. phrasing - ok. This is putting sections together. Remember we don't stop on counts, you just pass through them.

3. relationship to music - ++. Remember the phrase "we are the face of music." There's a reason you don't do 32 counts of drop spins in the show. What the audience sees must relate to what the hear. You're doing very well!

4. compatibility to drill - +. I heart love you, Flags. We're going to fix it. For all of our outside faithful readers...I know I just said flags. The unit as a whole is color guard. Then, within the color guard, we have rifles and flags (sabres to come). When you're split as we are in the closer, you then refer to piece of equipment being used.

5. enthusiasm - -. Yes, you got a minus on stupid happy!!!! There's the easiest way to boost a score, show some teeth!

6. great content, too many problems with precision/timing. Again, use the check points. Your work is very complex and I don't think we need to water anything down. Do you? We're not a fire-hose guard.

Now about things from other units...

Pelham - They're very classic, precise, and accurate. I didn't see as many facial expressions as I would have like to. Again, we strive for stupid happy! Pelham is also known as a very approachable and welcoming unit. I appreciate all of you who went to check on the member who got sick. That means alot

Thompson - I noticed very confident performers. Granted, 5 1/2 with no weights...hmm. But they entered with a presence. Take from their confidence. I know you have it.

Oak Mountain - Did you notice their Dance Line's faces? They were just as uniform as their boots. I was impressed but I would rather you perform to the "crowd" and interpret the show. Need help? Just ask.

To end this saga, check out this o so cool music video. Click HERE

Benjamin Russell Timeline...

5:00 - 5:45 Call. Use this time to eat, finish getting ready, and go to the bathroom. Put equipment bags against the marker board so I can check them.

5:40 - 5:45 Transit to the lobby with al equipment and stretch towel. Take the equipment out of the bag and lay everything out in front of you. Be in the warm-up block before time to begin.

5:45 - 6:20 Warm-up. We will do our stretches and warm-up sequence. We'll also go through the show from top to bottom. Remember...I am the only one who needs to talk. We must foster and atmosphere of concentration from the start. Have a question? Ask me.

6:20 - 6:29 Dismiss to the choir room. Make any last minute adjustments. Be ready to go to the band room with equipment bag on the trailer by 6:29. We will enter together to keep disruption to a minimum.

6:29 - 6:30 Transit to band room. Make certain that all of your equipment is in your bag, that you have put whatever you need to in the momma bag, and that every part of your uniform is in place. Do not talk once in the band room.

Let's get ready for another fantastic and improved show!!!

~Lindsey Harrison

This week in Guardville...

members ~ don't forget to leave a comment once you've read the post!

Monday

• Rehearsal with Band 3:30pm - 5pm.

• Sectionals in East Buddah 7pm - 8:30pm. We will finish Pardi Gras and add a few things to the opener. We're practically finished with the show. Go us! (get your pants hemmed)

I will hand out the calendars for October-Novemeber tonight. I'm working on getting the ablility to post the calendar itself online so your parents can print a copy. (get your pants hemmed)

Tuesday

• Rehearsal with Band 3:30pm - 5:30pm (hem your pants)

Everyone is to bring their uniform tops and the grey thingy to rehearsal. Mrs. Jiles' mother is going to add snaps to keep them in place.

Wednesday

Once upon a time, someone wore unhemmed black pants to a performance. Prince Charming observed this faux pau and banished all the citizens of Guardville to the dreaded warm-up block. After much pain and suffering, the congenial citizens of Guardville saw the error of their ways and remedied the problem. And they all lived happily ever after. The End.

Thursday

• Rehearsal with Band 3:30pm - 5:30pm.
• Sectionals in East Buddah 7pm - 8:30. You might be let out at 8. Just so you know. :)

Friday

• Benjamin Russell @ CHHS. Your call is 5pm in the choir room. We have two mommas making us yummy things. Who knows...I might even fix something.
• Your pants must be hemmed. They can't be touching the floor but just right above it.
• Make sure you have the "official shade" of lip-stick for the game.
• Hair must be secure.

Saturday

• Shelby County Showcase of Bands
• Call - TBA

Lets keep things rolling along. The guard has begun gaining a "fan base." Challenge yourself this week to make 2 trouble spots perfect. Need help? Just ask. We've come so far but we can't stop now. Again...you know what I expect and I know what you can give. Oh, and get your pants hemmed. ~Lindsey Harrison

Talladega Performance

We will be in full uniform and make-up for the first time!!! Go ahead today and make sure that everything you need for your uniform is in one place. Don't forget any piece or your shoes.

Call this week is at 5:15 in the choir room. You must be there at 5:15 with all of your equipment and anything else you need to do to get ready. Check the timeline below for specifics...

5:15 - 5:40 ~ Call. Everyone MUST be in the choir room with equipment. Do not be late. You may finish putting on your face or just hang out. You probably want to go to the restroom at this time. I will go through everyone's equipment bag and make sure everything is show ready.

5:40 - 5:45 ~ Transit to the lobby with equipment and stretch towel. Be in the warm-up block before time to start. Just lay your equipment in front of you. We will stretch and warm-up at the same place.

5:45 - 6:20 ~ Warm-up. We will do our stretches and usual warm-up sequence. We'll also go through the show from top to bottom and the Dance Line will join us at 6:10 to review the opening dance. I want you to be absolutely comfortable. There should be no reason to appear scared or doubtful during our 8 minutes of half-time bliss. :) Remember...I am to be the only one talking. If you have a question, let me know. We must start off focused and ready. You know what I expect and I know what you can give.

6:20 - 6:30 ~ Dismiss to choir room to make last minute adjustments. Everyone is to be standing in the band room with their equipment bag by their side at exactly 6:30. We will enter together to keep disruption to a minimum.

Don't forget...

- stretch towel (we know how dirty the lobby floor is)

- 3 show flags (all a different color)

- rifle (you know who you are)

- anything you want in the "momma bag" (my orange and blue soccer mom bag. too bad i don't drive a mini-van.)

- shoes (we don't wear socks)

- to wear your unitard (it goes under your uniform, julian)

- drugs (if your aunt is in town or if your doctor said so)

~Lindsey Harrison