Wheaton North High School Bands
We are students, we are leaders, we are musicians; together
we are the Wheaton North Band Program. Whether through our
concert, jazz, or marching programs, we all have a common
goal. Our mission is to discover who we are and who we
want to be. We strive for musical excellence. Our high
expectations compel us to promote the art form of music.
We continually establish and perpetuate traditions through
which we develop strong relationships and mature. Musical
performance helps us grow more confident and develop pride
in ourselves and our program. Music helps us develop our
emotions and express who we are; even after the music ends.
Music is what we love and that’s why we play it.
Page 2 - Longer Entries and Archives
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FBPO Presents Candlelight Bowling
Date: Friday, February 24, 2012
Place: Wheaton Bowl
2031 Gary Avenue, Wheaton
(630) 668-4102
Time: Check-In: 6:45 pm
Bowling Begins: promptly @7:00 pm
This is a new event this year - we would like to support Wheaton
Bowl since they help us with our events every year, Car Washes,
Chili Fest and parking for Falcon Fest. Come enjoy a fun evening
with the Band families!
(Open to band students, parents, and families)
Please turn in form by Thursday, February 16 (limited space
available)
Elections will be held at the April 3rd meeting at 7pm in the orchestra room. A quorum
is needed to hold an election so we encourage everyone to attend.
*The Treasurer is a critical position that has yet to be filled. The FBPO has a
significant financial responsibility to the band program and the students. It is
imperative that this position be filled by April 4th.
Maureen Miller said her son likely would have thought he didn't deserve a Medal of Honor. To Army Staff Sgt.
Robert Miller, an act of self-sacrifice would have been just another part of his duty to serve the country,
she said.
A HUGE thank you and much appreciation go to both the FALCON BOOSTER
CLUB and the FALCON BAND PARENT ORGANIZATION. These organizations have
always supported the efforts of our band and music department, but this
year they really stepped it up!!!
Drumline has always been an important part of the school spirit at WNHS
and the FALCON BOOSTER CLUB recognized the hard work of the Marching
Band and Drumline by funding the purchase of ALL NEW DRUMS for the line.
These new (deep BLUE) drums replace equipment that is almost as old as
the students who play them!
Hand-in-hand with the Booster Club, the FALCON BAND PARENT ORGANIZATION
has purchased new harnesses and carriers for the new drums, as the new
equipment will not fit our current carriers. These new, light-weight
harnesses will also add much to the drumline.
Much gratitude goes out to both of these fine parent groups. Thank you
so much for recognizing what the bands to at Wheaton North! We couldn't
do it without your support!
~ Mr Noworyta
FBPO Scholarship
FBPO Scholarship
Scholarship letters and applications were mailed on Feb 14th to all senior band members.
All seniors that are continuing on to college next year are encouraged to apply for this
$500 scholarship. The application deadline is March 21st.
For more information, contact Libby Weeder
Swing Dance
• When: Saturday, April 9, 2011 7-10 pm (Optional Free Swing Dance lessons start at 6:00)
• Where: Wheaton North High School - Commons area
• Who: WN families, faculty, and community (12 years old and up)
• Attire: Semi formal event, proper attire required.
• What: Live music featuring WNHS and Middle School Jazz Bands,
Refreshments, Silent Auction and Raffle. Lots of Fun!
FOR YOUR TICKETS, SEE A WN JAZZ STUDENT after March 1 OR RETURN THIS FORM before April 4th.
Tickets will also be sold at the door until we reach our capacity.
Click on this LINK to see a video of last year's Swing Dance!
Jazz Café
Join the WNHS Jazz Groups for the Jazz Café
Date: Monday, 7 February
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Wheaton North High School Cafeteria
Invite your family and friends to hear our excellent Jazz groups perform.
Each family of a jazz student is asked to provide refreshments to share.
Jazz Band families Bring 2-liter bottle of soda or juice
Jazz Ensemble families bring finger food (desserts, fruit, cheese/crackers).
Please email or call Sylvia Rodee with questions.
Cheesecake Fundraiser Begins!
I have dropped off Flyers with order forms on the back for our Cheesecake Fundraiser to Mr. Noworyta's office.
Please stop by or see him for a flyer/order form. It would be great to sell these over the Thanksgiving break.
Orders are due by Weds. Dec. 1st to either Mr. N. or myself. Delivery date is Friday 12/10 at WNHS after
3:00 pm. Checks are payable to FBPO.
I believe students receive $6.00 of each cheesecake sold to their account which can then be used towards their
Disney trip.
Please keep the flyer/order form for your records and if you can, make a copy of the order form to turn in along
with your checks collected in an envelope with your name on it. If you have any questions, please call Sue
Weinberg. I will be picking up orders from Mr. N. on Weds. Dec 1st after school.
Thanks,
Sue Weinberg
Jazz Band / Jazz Ensemble
The Wheaton North Music department announces that the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Band will begin soon!
Jazz Ensemble is for experienced Jazz musicians grades 9 - 12. Audition required (rehearsals are Tuesdays
from 2:30 - 4 pm and Thursday evenings from 6 - 8 pm)
Jazz Band is for less experienced jazz musicians grades 9 - 12 who would like to learn more and eventually
move into the Jazz Ensemble. (Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 6 - 8 pm)
Auditions will take place on Monday November 15th for horns (saxes, trombones, trumpets) and Thursday November
18th for rhythm (guitar, bass, drums, piano)
You do not need to be enrolled in a WNHS music class to be involved in this activity, though it is encouraged.
All experienced musicians are welcome to audition. See Mr Noworyta for Audition materials or for more
information. (Noworyta 10/28 to 11/5)
The FBPO is seeking an adult who is willing to take the lead role in organizing a team of volunteers to
push pit equipment for football games and marching band contests. Please call FBPO President Dan Covic,
if you are interested. Thank you.
During previous years, the FBPO has sold "spirit wear" (jackets, shirts, socks, etc.) to whomever was
interested in supporting the Wheaton North Band. The FBPO would like to know the amount of interest in order
to determine if we should resume this activity. We ask all parents for their opinion. Please contact any of
the FBPO officers. Thank you.
In this soaring demonstration, deaf percussionist Evelyn Glennie illustrates how listening
to music involves much more than simply letting sound waves hit your eardrums.
The WNHS Music Department presents...
A Pancake Breakfast SPOOKTACULAR!
Come share your cooking expertise, serving skills, or appetite on the
morning of Saturday October 30th - 8 am to 11 am.
This is a chance for the entire music department to be together.
Reservations are $5.00 per person advanced sales and $8.00 at the
door.
This is a fundraiser for our entire music department with proceeds
helping to pay our bill for Holiday CD's that didn't sell very well last
year.
If you are able to volunteer your time behind the scenes with set-up,
tear-down cooking or serving, please email me - I'm in charge of
co-ordinating the parents for this event.
Wind Ensemble WILL play the first FULL day of school (Wednesday) - NOT
Tuesday. However, you will get your locker and new lock on Tuesday -
it's a time consuming process, so be ready to go on that.
The date and time for our appearance at Midwest is set. We will be
performing there on Wednesday, December 15th. Our actual time on stage
will be from 11:30 - 2 pm. We move into our space from 11:30-12:30 and
our clinic rehearsal session will be from 1 - 2pm. It is my expectation
that 100% of the Wind Ensemble will be present for this performance.
However, Midwest is a very special and important convention and I
belive that you should take advantage of this unique opportunity to the
fullest. So, this will be an all day and into the evening event for the
Wind Ensemble. Midwest has concerts, masterclasses, college booths,
publishing companies, instrument companies, sheet music sales, etc etc
etc.. just about ANYTHING you can think of musically is there. It is my
expectation that you see as many things as possible that day from the
exhibits to the masterclasses, and ESPECIALLY the concerts.
Midwest Band and Orchestra Rehearsal Clinic Program
The Wheaton North Wind Ensemble has been invited to participate in the
Midwest Band and Orchestra Rehearsal Clinic program in December 2010. We
accepted the invitation!
Though it is held annually in Chicago each December, the Midwest Clinic
is one of, if not THE, the largest, most respected, and most important
conventions for music education in the WORLD. This clinic will bring
major exposure to our program and the musical work being done in
District 200.
We have been invited be one of several bands that will take part in
this program. Last year's rehearsal clinic bands included local groups
West Aurora, Glenbard East and Plainfield Central. This lab will be
structured as an actual rehearsal rather than a clinic or concert. By
pairing local student groups with noted rehearsal technicians, the
rehearsal lab program is intended to provide music teachers with the
opportunity to observe more thorough methods and insights for running a
successful rehearsal than we are able to present in rehearsal clinics.
This will be a 60 minute rehearsal, held in W-183 at McCormick Place
West on either Wednesday, Thursday, OR Friday, December 15, 16, OR 17.
Our date has yet to be announced. Our clinician will be Don Wilcox of
the University of West Virginia. The basic idea is for the rehearsal to
cover at least one selection that is new to the band and one that the
students have some experience with. At the conclusion of each lab, we
invite each group to perform one of the rehearsed works in its entirety.
Our audience will be 500 or so band directors from around the world.
Midwest exists for educational purposes exclusively; to raise the
standards of music education; to improve the methods employed in music
education; to develop new teaching techniques; to disseminate to school
music teachers, directors, supervisors, and others interested in music
education information to assist in their professional work; to examine,
analyze and appraise literature dealing with music; to hold clinics,
lectures, and demonstrations for the betterment of music education; and
in general, to assist teachers and others interested in music education
in better pursuing their profession.
Thanks to all of you who have supported the WNHS in so many ways over
the years!
Jon S. Noworyta
Director of Bands
Wheaton North HS
2010
Chaperones Needed for Playoffs
WN will be playing WWS Saturday at 7pm at WWS. The WN band will be in the stands cheering on the crowd and
showing our support for the football team. We will be ‘loud and proud’! We are in need of a few parents who
can chaperone. If you are available to chaperone please email Sherry Manschot at manschot@aol.com before
Saturday morning. Thank you! And GO FALCONS!!!
5th Annual Swing Dance Tickets and Call for Volunteers
This is a marvelous event that does not happen without help, and many hands make for
light work.
If you are available,we
have several areas where help is needed
Set-up Apr 10 at 5pm
Clean-up Apr 10 at 10 pm
Donate Items for Silent Auction
Please contact Judi Gonzalez at
630-682-8619
or by
E-Mail
Swing Dance Details
When: Saturday, April 10,2010 7-10 pm (Optional Free Swing Dance lessons start at 6:00)
Where: Wheaton North High School - Commons area
Who: WN families, faculty, and community (12 years old and up)
What: Live music featuring WNHS and Middle School Jazz Bands
Light refreshments and beverages. Silent Auction and Raffle. Lots of Fun!
FOR YOUR TICKETS, SEE A WN JAZZ STUDENT OR RETURN
THIS FORM
before April 2nd, tickets will also be sold at the door until we reach our capacity.
Proposed FBPO Bylaws Change - Vote at February Meeting
Here is a link to a document containing information about a proposed FBPO bylaws change that will be voted on at the February meeting.
The change will allow transfers of payments to and from the student escrow accounts.
ORCHESTRA:
Sareena Daniel (9) Violin
Emma Grisanzio (9) Cello
Marianthie Wank (9) Cello
Noah Whitney (12) Viola
CHORUS:
Bethany Albright (10) Soprano II
Michael Grover (12) Tenor II
Elizabeth Holaway (12) Soprano I
Ian Koziara (12) Tenor I
Samantha Long (12) Soprano I
Jenna Truty (12) Soprano I
Access them now. They will only be posted for another two weeks
Marching Band Banquet Invitation and Form
You are invited to the 2009 Marching Falcon Awards Banquet, to be held Monday,
November 2nd, at 6:00 PM (Dinner) and 7:30 PM (Awards) in the Commons Area at Wheaton North.
Dinner Reservations Are Required. Please RSVP by Saturday, October 24th using this form.
If you cannot attend dinner, please join us for the awards beginning at 7:30 pm
Marching Band Students: FREE
Adults: $11.00
Children: $8.00
First Evidence That Musical Training Affects Brain Development In Young Children
I will give extra credit to any and all of you who can come up with a list of what is wrong in this video AND tell me how it's wrong
(in other words, correct this guy please).
Submit a typed list to me in school - quote the error, the time of the error and give the correction. Two points per error.
Your list must have a minimum of five errors (but there are a lot more).
Mr. N
Congratulations WNHS Marching Band ! Best-in-Class at 2009 Lake Park Lancer Joust !!
The Wheaton North Marching Falcons swept their class at Saturday's Lake Park Lancer Joust, in Roselle, Illinois. They took home Best Music Performance, Best Visual Performance, Best General Effect, Best Percussion, and Best Auxiliary, as well as First Place in Class A.
The band was also asked to play in Finals. Way to go, Falcons, in achieving your goals for the first competition of the 2009-2010 season!
Band camp may be over but the season is just starting. So before we start loading the truck, moving the pit, and shopping for buddy bags, let’s do what all band families do best…get together for a little fun!
Everyone is invited! This is a family event!
Food, fun, and ultimate frisbee
Saturday, August 29th
3:00-7:00 p.m.
2038 N. Summit, Wheaton
Burgers and hot dogs will be provided. Every family should bring a dish to pass, a two-liter to share, and their own lawn chairs. RSVP’s required by Wednesday, August 26th to the Manschot’s (630) 871-4529.
See you then!
A Special Message From Our Biggest Fan, Mrs. Noworyta
Dear Students and Families of the Wheaton North Bands:
This is a very belated THANK YOU to all of you for your cards, well-wishes, and prayers in the last few months.
The power of prayer is staggering and I know that it has been a major part of my recovery.
My surgery was very successful - they got everything. My chemo treatments have also been going well, but they tire me out.
I completed my fourth and final treatment last week and I am getting back to normal, but I am a little more drained than usual.
I know that several of you participated in Relay for Life.
Let me just say that, as a cancer survivor, it is very touching to know that young people are doing their part for this cause.
I also participated in Relay for the first time this year. I did the Survivors Lap with my niece.
It was empowering to be with so many caring people. Do not ever forget that you can make a difference, even if it is with one individual.
I was very proud of all of you for your performance at Carnegie Hall and was really disappointed that I could not be with you.
However, seeing you and Jon at NTHS was thrilling.
I am also glad to have been able to have dinner with your chaperones and meet some of your parents - or see them again.
Thank you for the tour shirt and Carnegie Hall Festival shirt, I was not expecting it. It was almost like I had been there.
So thank you for everything. I am hoping to make a trip to Chicago soon and to see you all again. Thank you for taking care of my son!
With Love,
Judy Noworyta (Mr. N's mom)
Attention All 2009-2010 WNHS Band Members (and Parents*)
The WNHS Music Department would like to warmly welcome Mr. Phillip Rudd, our new Director of Orchestras.
Mr. Rudd is a recent graduate of Illinois State University with his Masters degree in Orchestral Conducting.
Prior to that he attended Millikin University for his undergraduate degree and went to Wheaton Warrenville South High School .
WELCOME MR. RUDD - you are a FALCON now!
Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band
Members of the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band were chosen by audition in spring of the last school year.
Both of these groups will be very strong this year and should have their instruments with them and be prepared to play on the very first day
of school. Please bring your instruments with you that day. You will have instrument storage at the high school,
so please come in before the first day to get your band locker and lock combination or school-owned instrument (where applicable).
Members of Concert Band should be ready to play by the third day of school.
ALL Percussionists
ALL Percussionists need to have their own stick bag with their own sets of the following sticks and mallets
(which will not be supplied at all this year): concert snare sticks, yard or cord keyboard mallets, plastic or brass bell mallets
and timpani sticks. These bags can be bought from the band department for $75, or you can purchase your own before school begins
2009 Marching Band Camp !
2009 Marching Band Camp runs August 3 - 7 (Mon - Wed is 8 am through 9 pm. Thurs and Fri are noon to 9 pm).
There are hour and a half lunch and dinner breaks. However, Camp offically ends with our annual car wash on August 8th.
The car wash is considered to be the last day of camp. Students involved with marching band should have already received all music and forms.
These forms MUST be returned as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
All marching band students are required to be at camp to participate for the season
Rookie clinics are July 27th 10am-12, July 29th 2-4pm, July 31st 6-8pm
All rookies need to attend 1 or more of these clinics at Wheaton North
2009 FALCON MARCHING BAND FESTIVAL
ALL HANDS ON DECK!!! On Saturday September 26, the Wheaton North Falcon Bands will host our annual Falcon Marching Band Festival.
This is a day-long event that needs a TON of volunteers - both student and parent.
Please consider joining us for this awesome event and lend a helping hand!!
Please contact Cindy Bretsen
or Scott Finnegan
The Falcon Band Parents Organization (FBPO) needs you!!!!
This is a group made up of parents from ALL of our band families, which works for the benefits of ALL our bands - curricular and extra-curricular
NOT just marching band. This is a super way for you to be involved alongside your child.
There are various committees to suit the strengths and time commitment levels of individual families.
It is a great way to meet more people whose child is in band and to become more involved in the WNHS school community.
Please join us for at our meetings which are held the first Tuesday of every month in the band room at 7 pm.
The first meeting will be Tuesday August 4th, at 7:00 P.M. in the Wheaton North H.S. band room. Don't Miss It!
Contact Mark DePino for more information @ 630-649-0166 or oldcop600 @ gmail.com
5th Annual Swing Dance Tickets and Call for Volunteers
This is a marvelous event that does not happen without help, and many hands make for
light work.
Judi Gonzalez is looking for volunteers to help with the swing dance. We
have several areas where help is needed
Set-up
Clean-up
Bringing Food
Ticket Sales
Donate Items for Silent Auction
Judi can be contacted at
630-682-8619
or by
E-Mail
Swing Dance Details
When: Saturday, May 2, 2009 7-10 pm (Optional Free Swing Dance lessons start at 5:45)
Where: Wheaton North High School - Commons area
Who: WN families, faculty, and community (12 years old and up)
What: Live music featuring WNHS and Middle School Jazz Bands
Light refreshments and beverages. Silent Auction and Raffle. Lots of Fun!
FOR YOUR TICKETS TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT PLEASE RETURN
THIS FORM
before April 17th, tickets will also be sold at the door until we reach our capacity.
WNHS Wind Ensemble earns "Gold" at Carnegie Hall
After a whirlwind trip to the "Big Apple," the Wind Ensemble is back
in Wheaton and back to school. Performing on the world-renowned
Carnegie Hall stage was a great experience for all. The
band appeared along with five other High School bands and orchestras from across the
nation in the "New York Band and Orchestra Festival" sponsored by World Projects.
Following that, the group performed in Tonowanda, N.Y., with Jon Noworyta's hometown band.
A more complete story and a large selection of photos will appear here shortly..
A personal message from our Director
To All Band Members, Parents, and Friends:
My most sincere thanks for your thoughts and prayers these last few days.
I cannot express how much love I have felt from all of you the last few days;
from the change in concert date to the wonderful emails and cards for my mother.
So here's the update:
My mom's surgery was very successful. She had a single mastectomy on her left breast on Thursday evening.
It was completed in about an hour and a half.
The surgeon met us in the waiting room following the operation with a smile on his face.
He told he she was doing VERY well. Our concern was that the cancer might have spread to the lymphatic system.
He confirmed that it had, in fact, NOT done so.
That test came back negative, the mastectomy went well, and the plastic surgeon had begun "reconstruction".
About 45 minutes later, he too came out with a smile on his face.
He said my mom was doing "very, very well" and that during his part of the surgery,
she only lost about a teaspoon of blood, which he said was amazing.
I just got off the phone with my mom -- she's in GREAT spirits, not too uncomfortable, and she says a
BIG thank you to everyone for the cards, emails, and most of all the prayers and support. I say the same.
I cannot imagine getting through this without all of you. This is why Wheaton is so special.
THANK YOU ALL!!!
Now... on to the Big Apple!!!
With love...
~N
Mandatory Parent/Student Carnegie Hall Trip Meeting
Tuesday March 3rd, 7:00 pm in the Band Room.
All students must be represented with their parent or guardian.
If you are interested in attending the Carnegie Hall performance, tickets are FREE.
However, they are only available from the Carnegie Hall Box Office and cannot be pre-ordered.
The festival suggests that you go to the box office the day before the festival if possible.
Otherwise, tickets should be available on the day-of. They are expecting a nice crowd, but Carnegie Hall floor parquet seating is over 1000.
The Festival has never had to open the balcony seating for the festival. You should be fine in getting your tickets the day before or day-of.
World Renown Pianist to Join Wheaton North Wind Ensemble
James Tocco, Guest soloist, an Italian-American virtuoso, enjoys international renown as a recitalist,
orchestral soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue at the absolute peak of his powers.
Beyond his vast repertoire of American masterworks, Mr. Tocco has been widely praised for his interpretations of Beethoven,
Chopin, and Liszt, as well as 20th-century composers, and he is among the very few pianists to regularly program the keyboard
works of Handel.
For a more complete bio on James Tocco click here.
2009 Dinner Dance Auction
2009 Dinner Dance Auction, March 6th, Location: The Carlisle, 435 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard
Congratulations Melody Hanna, a winner of the District 200 Concerto Competition.
Melody will perform the 3rd movement of the Mozart Concerto in D Major in concert with the Wheaton North Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday,
February 10th at 7:30 PM at Wheaton Warrenville South High school.
This concert will feature other student winners as soloists with the Wheaton North and Wheaton Warrenville South Orchestras.
The other winner from WNHS is Justin Ehrman, who will be performing the Shostakovich Cello Concerto.
Additionally, the following students from Wheaton North were selected for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State festival
held in Peoria at the end of the month.
Devyn Manchot, Double Bass (Band)
Ian Koziara, Voice (Honors Choir)
Justin Ehrman, Cello (Composition Prize)
And it was just announced that Wheaton North Principal, Jill Bullo was named the Illinois Music Educator Association Outstanding Administrator for 2009.
Final Season Contests Yield Outstanding Awards
The Wheaton North Marching Band finished off the season with two awards in two out of the three final marching contests of the season. The Marching Falcons participated in the 2008 Naperville Central Marching Festival at Benedictine, State Competition at ISU/Bloomington-Normal, and the 2008 Downers Grove MusicBowl. We won several awards at Benedictine and at Downers Grove.
A great way to end the 2008 season! Congratulations, Marching Falcons, for all your hard work this year!
Fundraiser Three! - 2008 Cheesecake Sales
Selling dates: Monday, October 6 until Monday, October 20 Orders/checks due: Tuesday, October 21 Pick-up Date: Friday, November 7 @ 5PM - 7PM (Band Hallway) Each student will have $5.50 put into their escrow account for each cheesecake they sell. Return order forms/monies by October 21 to the envelope on the bulletin board in the band room. Questions? Ask Davida DePino or Jean Gombar
Noworyta and Mr. Lehman
This is a picture of me and Mr. Lehman, the first band director at WNHS, which was taken at the Falcon Festival show. He was there to watch his grandson perform with the Fremd Band.
We went on a short tour of the school right after Fremd was done.
His words "My... Well, things have changed quite a bit around here!"
Fundraising One!
Wind Ensemble Yankee Candle Fundraiser
Return order forms/monies by Monday, September 29, 2008 to Davida DePino or Jean Gombar before and after school outside the band room.
Fundraising Two!
Scoopie says it's the Cooks Day off at Culver's, 290 S. Schmale Rd,, Carol Stream, Thursday, October 2, 2008
Mention Wheaton North Band Program on the above date and Culver's will donate 15% of your purchase back to our program.
Come on in and enjoy a great meal and help our Bands raise money! Good with Dine-in or Drive-thru orders, 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
"Falcon Fest" Saturday, 9/20/08
The 21st Annual
Falcon Marching Band Festival, featuring 18 bands in competition, takes place Saturday, September 20, 2008
Marching Band parents! I am willing to put together an end of season DVD as I have done in previous years.
Your job should you choose to accept it is to provide me with a whole bunch of pictures on a CD by Monday, October 20.
I will do my best to have the DVD complete and ready for viewing at the Marching Band Banquet. I will also have a copy for each student.
Here is what we need:
Candid pictures of our marching band students, in rehearsal, on the busses, at competition and just goofing off.
Please take close ups and small group pictures of as many members of the band as you can.
(While I know that your student is the most photogenic student in the marching band, it would help if you also took some pictures of other students as well.)
Thanks for helping us make this a great memory for our kids. Now fire up those digital cameras and let's have some fun!!!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Howington at 630-682-8713 or by e-mail.
FBPO meeting on Tues. Sept. 2nd
Our first 2008-09 FBPO meeting will be Tuesday, September 2nd* and all meetings thereafter will be held on the first Tuesday of each month. This first meeting is particularly important since it is our ONLY meeting in advance of the Falcon Marching Band Festival, our biggest event of the year.
FBPO stands for Falcon Band Parent Organization. If you have a child in a WNHS band you are a a member of FBPO.
Please make every effort to attend, especially if you have signed up as a volunteer for the Festival. *7:00pm in the Wheaton North High School band room.
SpiritWear Information
If you are interested in ordering hoodies - fleece jackets - polo shirts - denim shirts to support our Wheaton North Bands, here is your opportunity!
Where: Wheaton North outside the band room When: August 19 and 21, from 8:00 to 9:00pm (During band rehearsal) Who: Ann Gieseke - SpiritWear Chair Why: To place orders for "Band" wear for parents and/or kids
Please come and see what we have to offer. The season starts warm and ends cooooooold. A nice warm hoodie or fleece jacket will really be toasty at the ISU state championships come October!
If you missed out on the first supply but wish to buy a show t-shirt for this year please contact Ann Gieseke. We may reorder if there is enough interest. Please contact me by Sunday 8/24.
Come watch the 2008 Wheaton North Marching Band give their premier performance. Afterwards, join us for the dessert social in the band room.
Each family should bring a batch of cookies or a small dessert to share.
Drop dessert off in the band room on the way out to the field.
Contact Cindy Bretsen with any questions or if you can help set up 630-510-2795.
Marching Band Season Kick-Off Party
Saturday, August 9th at 4pm
All Marching Band Families are Invited! Join us for great food, smoothie cart, volleyball, firepit, and music provided by the Wheaton North Jazz Combo.
Families should bring a dish to pass and their own lawn chairs.
Due to the size of the band, RSVPs are required. Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 6th @ 630-871-4529.
Everyone needs to wear sneakers and hats whenever we are outside for your own safety (even in the evening rehearsals).
Bring large water containers. You will drink alot of water during camp, especially during afternoon sessions.
This is also for your safety. Water or Gatorade is best. Red Bull and coffee are the WORST!
Eat a good breakfast/lunch every day... nothing heavy or greasy. Be careful at dinner, you're going to want to pig out..
be careful, we have more physical activities after dinner than before.
Bring a shoelace or lanyard. You will receive your drill sheets on the second day of camp.
They need to last you all season and you should have them whenever we are on the field. Keeping them on a string is
easiest when you need to check you position quickly.
Be ready to go "outside your comfort zone" musically, physically, and interpersonally...
we will be playing music, learning drill, and having many team building exercises.
Get to SLEEP early every night... the better rested you are the more productive you will be!
This season is going to be exciting!!
Needed: Hospitality Chair for Band
We are looking for a Hospitality Chair ASAP. The potluck/picnic
on the last day of band camp (Thurs., Aug. 7) would be your first event.
Mon., Jul. 28 - Thu., Jul. 31: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Fri., Aug. 1 & Sat., Aug. 2: Leadership camp (SECTION LEADERS ONLY!!)
Mon., Aug. 4 - Thu., Aug. 7: 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Fri., Aug. 8: Carwash @ Wheaton Bowl, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm (Shift times to be announced)
Carnegie Hall Participants & Program... so far
Auditioning for the evening showcase groups is still in process, but the April 1st afternoon concert at Carnegie Hall has been filled.
The performers will be:
Beckman High School Orchestra Kamehameha High School Wind Ensemble South Pasadena Strings Program South Lakes High School Wind Ensemble Fresno Pacific University Wind Ensemble
AND OF COURSE ... Wheaton North High School Wind Ensemble
In related news:
I think I'm 98% settled on our program, though I'm still waiting on a score to come in so I can look it over and better decide. I'd like to play the following pieces:
Johan de Meij: Windy City Overture Showing our Chicagoland roots, this piece was written for Dr. Mallory Thompson (NU) and the Northshore Concert Band in Wilmette, Ill. on their recent 50th anniversary.
David Maslanka: Testament, Music for a Time of Trial A moving piece written in response to the events of 9/11
Paul Hindemith: "March" from Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber This piece received its World Premier by the New York Philharmonic on January 20 (my birthday!!) in 1944 at ... yep - you guessed it - Carnegie Hall
Have a relaxing rest-of-summer!!
Car Wash / Carnegie Hall Fundraiser Shift Assignments
For a list of shift assignments for our first Carnegie Hall fundraising event, to be held at Wheaton Bowl on Friday,
June 13, 2008 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm, click here. See you there!
Wheaton North Musicians to Perform
at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center
There is more information about this incredible honor here
2008 Festival Entry Form
The 2008 Festival Entry Form (PDF) is available for download
here
and on the
Festival
page.
Committee Openings for 2008-2009
The committee chairs fill a critical role in making the FBPO
and the Wheaton North Bands as successful as they are. As students
graduate and are replaced by incoming freshmen, the parents
also move on. We need new blood to keep the organization
moving forward.
For next year, we have an immediate need
to fill these committee chairs.
Color Guard
Falcon Booster Liaison
Fund Raising
Webmaster
Jazz Cafe
Concert Reception
A listing of all of the committees and current
chairpersons can be accessed
here
and from the menu bar under "About Us->Officers and Committees"
In reality, all committee chairs are
fair game. If there is something that appeals to you, please ask.
It is much easier to gradually
transition a job than it is to perform an end-of-year handoff.
We were all new to this when we started.
Please step forward to help us fill these committee chairs.
Talk to the current commitee chairs if you have any questions.
The kids cannot do this without us and we cannot do it without you. We know
about guilt and we are not afraid to use it.
2008 Fall Schedule
The 2008 Fall Marching Band Schedule is available
here
and on the
forms page
2008-2009 Audition Results
Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Audition Results for the 2008-2009 year are posted
here.
2008 Wheaton North Band Award Winners
For a list of this year's Senior Awards and Class Awards, click here
Invitation to After-Parade Band Picnic
The Gieseke's would like to invite everyone who has helped with any band activity and their families for a picnic following the Memorial Day parade. Their address is 27W020 Blair St. in Winfield. They ask that you bring whatever meat you want (the grills will be going), a side dish and a couple of chairs. Hope to see you here!
P.S. Questions? Call: 630-668-1554
Forms Posted
Two review sheets have been posted both here and at the
bottom of the
forms page. The forms
page is
also accessible using the menu at the top of the page.
The web site has moved from our
previous host, Infolaunch.com to 1and1.com. There should
be no change in how everything works. This change was
made necessary because Infolaunch decided to stop
providing web hosting services.
The web site may be accessed at its customary location,
http://www.wnband.org. If you were using the interim
address, please go back to using the regular address
In case you thought your involvement with the band parents
ends when your students graduate, think again.
The web site migration received some timely assistance
from John Hayward, who 'graduated' from the FBPO long before
I got here. He originally launched our website and provided guidance and insight along the way.
Thank you to everyone for your patience while I stumbled thru this.
If you find anything that is not working (that did work
before), please send an
or E-Mail detailing what is broken
May FBPO Meeting
The next meeting of the Falcon Band Parents Organization
will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 at 7:00 in the
bandroom. Please submit
any agenda items to Mark DePino prior to the meeting by
phone
630-668-5644
or E-Mail
The FBPO still needs your help. These positions are still
without chairpersons. Any of these can be shared, so find a
friend!
Health and Safety
Hospitality
Middle School Liaison
Travel/Chaperon
MUSIC HONORS BRUNCH -
WNHS COMMONS Saturday, MAY 17, 2008
All Wheaton North band, choir, and orchestra families are
invited to attend this year’s Performing Arts Department
Awards Banquet! This is a fun way to reminisce about the
events of the past year and wrap up another performance
season. It also provides an opportunity to congratulate
and reward the WNHS music students for their hard work and
their dedication to these programs.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE DAY
11:00 AM Potluck style brunch (breakfast & lunch items)
Concert Choir & Wind Ensemble families please bring
a main dish to share.
Treble Choir and Symphonic Band families please
bring a side dish to share.
Concert Choir & Wind Ensemble families please bring
a main dish to share.
Chamber, Show Choir & Chamber Orchestra families
please bring desserts or pastries.
Concert Band & Concert Orchestra families please
bring drinks (2 liters or soda, juice, coffee - box
O’ Joe’s available, and coffee condiments).
12:00 PM Performing Arts Department Awards
PLEASE R.S.V.P. to your director on or before
Friday, May 9 via e-mail:
khalvors@cusd200.org
anooden@cusd200.org
jnoworyt@cusd200.org
Let us know how many of your family members will be
joining the fun!
We will need some help setting up before the brunch at
10:00 AM. If you are available and willing to volunteer,
please e-mail one of the directors.
Jon S. Noworyta
Director of Bands
Wheaton North High School
630-784-7470 (office)
jnoworyt@cusd200.org
www.wnband.org
Wheaton North Musicians to Perform
at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center
There is more information about this incredible honor here
Attention: Wind Ensemble
This is a reminder, the final concert of the year, May 15th
you will be turning in your uniform with a check for
$8.00
made out to the
Falcon Band Parent Organization
for the cleaning of the uniform.
Thank you. Have a great summer!
Mrs. Stemple
Daily Herald Article
This Daily Herald story about the
Elk Grove High
School's second annual Choral Invitational and Percussion Festival
has quotes from a couple of our
percussion students.
The full story is available
here
Swing Dance Volunteers Needed
This is a marvelous event that does not happen without help, and many hands make for
light work. Judi Gonzalez is looking for volunteers to help with the swing dance. We
have several areas where help is needed
Set-up
Clean-up
Bringing Food
Ticket Sales
Judi can be contacted at
630-682-8619
or by
E-Mail
Swing Dance Details
When: Friday, April 18th, 2008 7-10 pm
(Optional Free Swing Dance lessons start at 5:45)
Where: Wheaton North High School - Commons area
Who: WN families, faculty, and community (12 years old and up)
What: Live music featuring WNHS and Middle School Jazz Bands
Light refreshments and beverages
Silent Auction and Raffle
Lots of Fun!
April FBPO Meeting
The next meeting of the Falcon Band Parents Organization
will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 7:00 in the bandroom.
Please submit
any agenda items to Mark DePino prior to the meeting by phone
630-668-5644
or E-Mail
We still have some opportunities to serve. The Bandparents organization cannot
function without parents who are willing to step forward, perhaps out of their comfort
zone.
Remember the senior speeches from last fall? It takes parents to
ensure that the Falcon music experience continues to produce those wonderul memories.
These positions are
still waiting for occupants. By the way, any of these can be shared, so if you are so
inclined, find a friend!
Fund Raising
Hospitality Chair
Web Master
We also need candidates for these positions on the FBPO Board
The 2008 Festival Entry Form (PDF) is available for download
here
and on the
Festival
page.
Committee Openings for 2008-2009
The committee chairs fill a critical role in making the FBPO
and the Wheaton North Bands as successful as they are. As students
graduate and are replaced by incoming freshmen, the parents
also move on. We need new blood to keep the organization
moving forward.
For next year, we have an immediate need
to fill these committee chairs.
Color Guard
Falcon Booster Liaison
Fund Raising
Webmaster
Jazz Cafe
Concert Reception
A listing of all of the committees and current
chairpersons can be accessed
here
and from the menu bar under "About Us->Officers and Committees"
In reality, all committee chairs are
fair game. If there is something that appeals to you, please ask.
It is much easier to gradually
transition a job than it is to perform an end-of-year handoff.
We were all new to this when we started.
Please step forward to help us fill these committee chairs.
Talk to the current commitee chairs if you have any questions.
The kids cannot do this without us and we cannot do it without you. We know
about guilt and we are not afraid to use it.
March FBPO Meeting
The next meeting of the Falcon Band Parents Organization
will be held on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 7:00 in the bandroom.
Please submit
any agenda items to Mark DePino prior to the meeting by phone
630-668-5644
or E-Mail
Pictures from the Jazz Cafe
Pictures have been posted from the very successful
Jazz Cafe
on February 4, 2008.
Congratulations to Mr. Dave
The WNHS Falcons congratulate Mr. David Lesniak ("Mr. Dave") on two
very important milestones in his life: the recent birth of his first
child - a daughter, Emily Jean,
and his being named Director of Bands at
the new Plainfield West High School.
For these reasons, Mr. Dave has
decided he can no longer work with the Marching Falcons. He has
been a part of the WNHS Falcon Band family for 10 years, and we will
miss him as he moves on to the next stage of his life!
Congratulations and good luck!
2008 Fall Schedule
The 2008 Marching Band Schedule is available
here
and on the
forms page
2008-2009 Audition Results
Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Audition Results for the 2008-2009 year are posted
here.
Swing Dance - April 18th - In the Commons
Come on out for a delightfully entertaining evening of music and
dancing featuring the fabulous Wheaton North and Middle School Jazz Bands.
This is a fundraiser to help support all of the Wheaton North Bands.
When: Friday, April 18th, 2008 7-10 pm
(Optional Free Swing Dance lessons start at 5:45)
Where: Wheaton North High School - Commons area
Who: WN families, faculty, and community (12 years old and up)
What: Live music featuring WNHS and Middle School Jazz Bands
Light refreshments and beverages
Silent Auction and Raffle
Lots of Fun!
In Memoriam - Robert J. Miller
Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, 24, was killed in action Jan. 25 as a
result of enemy fire while conducting combat operations near Barikowt,
Afghanistan. He was a Special Forces weapons sergeant assigned to Company
A, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).
Miller was born on October 14, 1983 in Harrisburg, Penn. and was a
2002 graduate of Wheaton North High School.
After graduation, he moved to
Iowa where he volunteered for military service and enlisted in the Army
on Aug. 14, 2003, as a Special Forces candidate. He went on to
graduate the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2005, earning the coveted
“Green Beret.”
In 2006, Miller deployed with 3rd SFG (A) in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, he was awarded the Army
Commendation Medal with Valor
for his courage in the face of the enemy. He was
also promoted to the rank of staff sergeant while deployed, in addition
to earning MANY other awards and decorations.
He is survived by his parents, Philip and Maureen Miller, his brothers,
Thomas, Martin and Edward, and his sisters, Joanna, Mary, Therese and
Patricia, all from Oviedo, Fla. His parents' address is:
Phil and Maureen Miller
766 Kingsbridge Drive
Ovedo, Florida 32765
Importantly, "Robbie" was a part of the
Wheaton North Band
family from
1998 - 2002,
the crossover time when the program under the direction of
Ms. Amhed and then Mr. Mulder. A time when the older siblings of
several of our current members were in the band. Rob played Trumpet and Tuba
- and was one of the first "flaming tubas."
Mr. Noworyta remembers him
as happy, kind, and very enthusiastic. One of Rob's friends has said
that he was always into the military. He was always reading or working
out at the gym. In fact, the only book that his friend can remember him
reading was "The Art of War." Rob was always ready to serve his
country. In fact, He died for his country, which he believed in above all
else.
But, he was also someone that "band"
was important to.
Rob, we hope that you know that you were very important to us too.
Rest in Peace.
Jon S. Noworyta
Director of Bands
Wheaton North High School
630-784-7470 (office)
jnoworyt@cusd200.org
www.wnband.org
Jazz Cafe - Monday, February 4th, 7:00 p.m.
All Wheaton North families are invited to a
Jazz Cafe presented by the WNHS Jazz groups.
The band room will be transformed into a Jazz Cafe for the
evening.
Each family of a jazz student is asked to provide
refreshments to share.
Please contact Cathy Colten via
E-Mail to let
her know what you can bring (and save a lot of phone calls).
Suggested refreshments include finger desserts,
cheese/crackers, fruit
juice/pop, pretzels/nuts/chocolate.
Pictures from Fitzgerald's
Pictures have been posted from the Jazz Performance at
Fitzgerald's
on January 16, 2008. Thank you to the Manschots!
Some 'lost' pictures were also found and posted from the performance
last year in March. There are two pages with pictures
here
and
here
2007 Marching Band Awards
The recogntion page has been updated to include the winners from the
Marching Band
Awards Banquet
January 2008 FBPO Meeting
The next meeting of the Falcon Band Parents Organization
will be held on Tuesday, January 15th 2008 at 7:00 in the bandroom.
Please submit
any agenda items to Mark DePino prior to the meeting by phone
630-668-5644
or E-Mail
$500 Prize - 2008 Booster Banquet
Attention Wheaton North Band Parents!
The WN Booster Club will donate $500
to the WN team or school
organization (like the WN Band Department!) designated by the "Ticket
Captain" (that would be Karen Kuite, your FPBO Liaison to the WN Booster
Club) who sells the most tickets to the WN Booster Club-sponsored
"Fandamonium",
this year's annual Dinner, Dance, and Auction on Saturday,
March 1, at 5:30 p.m.
at
"The CARLISLE" in Lombard. Please see the
invitation
, check the
Booster web site
or the
event web site.
This is a casual (suggested attire is WN spirit wear, meaning band spirit
wear in any form!) and very fun, very well-attended event! As the FBPO
"Ticket Captain," I have already sold 10 tickets to non-band parents,
have sold another 6 tickets to band parents, and we need more band
parents to attend and support this Booster fund-raiser because Boosters
annually gift hundreds of dollars back to the performing arts departments
here at North in the form of band instruments we need, stage upgrades,
uniforms, etc.! Let's join forces for a night out together to support
our students at Wheaton North!
So far we have a table for 10 started with 6 band parents seated at this
first "band" table. Let's fill it and start a second and a third table
for 10, filled with band parents supporting a great cause! Look at it as
a Market Day order or an order for Innesbrook wrapping paper ... it
ultimately benefits our performing arts programs in general and our band
students in particular!
Tickets are $65
per person before Feb. 6, and $75 after that date. Band
parents, talk to your friends, neighbors, or band parent buddies, and
plan this as a social event for a group of you! Or, just join us as a
single or as a couple at one of the band tables for the evening!
If we
sell the most tickets, the band department would win the $500 prize!!!
The food is excellent, the music fun, and browsing the auction tables is
like checking out an upscale Kane County Flea Market, with nothing to
lose, and nothing but unique, fun, and unusual baskets and bargains to
gain, from restaurant gift cards, theater tickets, jewelry, and
"spirits," to spirit wear, sporting events, and entertainment media, like
CDs and DVDs. We may even auction off one of our jazz combos to play at
the event of your choice! Think graduation party!
For tickets, call Karen Kuite at
(630) 462-1235
as soon as possible, and
the bands at Wheaton North just might win that $500 !!! Leave a message
or a question, and I'll call you right back! Hope to see you on March 1!
November 1st - 2007 Fall Concert/8th Grade Band Day
The first concert of the season is here. It is also 8th
Grade Band Day, where the the 8th graders join with the Wind
Ensemble to get a taste of what if feels like to be a part
of the the Wheaton North Music Department. The concert
starts at 7:00 pm.
The FBPO will host a reception following the Wind
Ensemble concert. Many of you signed up to bring cookies,
juice, fruit or milk. Thank you!
Your food donations can be delivered to the Commons before the
concert. Questions? Contact Cathy Colten between 6:15 am
and 9 pm.
Links to Sites by Instrument
The
Links
page has been updated to include reference to sites of interest by instrument
This page can also be accessed from Links in the menu bar
at the top of the page
Market Day
The dates for Market Day orders and pickups haven been
posted to the web site. Please mark your calendars.
This is one of our most consistent fund raisers,
so please consider ordering at
Market Day
Problems with AOL
There seems to be a problem with emails sent from the the FBPO email account
at yahoo.com to email addresses at AOL.com. Many have bounced. This has
now happened twice. The problem is that it takes so long for the email system
to finally give up, that the timeliness of the email is lost.
We cannot 'make' the email systems cooperate, so any time an email goes out,
I will try to add the same material on this page. I would suggest signing up
to be notified whenever this site changes
(click on monitor changes over to the right).
I will also try to resend the problem email as soon as I get the failure message,
just so you have it. Sometimes the second sending works. If anyone has insight
into resolving this sort of issue, please let me know.
Automatic Web Site Update Notification
There are several web sites which will monitor web sites
and send you an
automatic email
whenever a site is updated. The email includes a link, so
current information is only a click away.
I have been using
ChangeDetection.com,
for the last week and have had no problems.
You only need to provide the website (http://www.wnband.org/) and
your email address. This is a great way to stay current with our
web site. Click the button to the right to start the process.
Band Performances - VIDEO
We are experimenting with posting the WNHS Bands performances on
the website. Depending upon the movie player you use, this may
mean that the entire video file - which may be quite large,
depending upon the length of the movie - may be downloaded to
your computer and begin playing upon completion of the download.
The download may take several minutes and consume large amounts
of disk storage space.
The initial format of the performances will be in Microsoft
"Windows Movie" (.wmv) files. In order to play the movies, a
movie player must be installed on your computer. The most common
players may be obtained free at: Media Player for Windows XP
