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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.

www.wnband.org/news/docs/FBPO_Bylaws_2010Revisions_v1.doc

Please look it over and plan to attend the FBPO meeting on February 2nd. See you there!

Congratulations to the following students - selected as IMEA District 9 Musicians

They participated in Festivals on November 14 (Jazz) and November 21(Organizational)

BAND:
Susannah Saylor (12) Flute
Adam Spahn (11) Bb Clarinet
Devyn Manschot (12) Double Bass

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

JAZZ BAND:
William Billingham (12) Trombone

VOCAL JAZZ:
Meagan Bruck (12) Soprano
Micah Tryba (12) Alto

Benedictine Contest Pictures Available!

Here are photos from the Naperville Central Marching Classic on October 17th :

www.cabyphotos.smugmug.com/marchingclassic

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

Follow this link http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060920093024.htm

Congratulations to

Meghan Townsend Hagen and Anders Hagen on their wedding day Saturday September 19, 2009!

See WNHS drumline crash Anders' and Meghan's Wedding!link

Extra Credit for Watching YouTube

Current Students: It's time for a fun little test:

Follow this link www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFGpeIZlQ6k and pay CLOSE attention.

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!

(All contest results are posted at the Lancer Joust Website)

Local news paper reports:Tribune Daily Herald

Marching Band Kick-Off Party

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

*CALLING ALL BAND PARENTS !!

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

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.

For more info New York Band & Orchestra Festival

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

TICKETS INCLUDE

6:00pm Cocktails & Hors d'oeuvres
7:30pm Dinner
9:00-11:00pm Auction & Dancing

Tickets are $65 per person and are well worth the ticket price. Payment for tickets is due February 13th.

Enjoy a really good time to get the Band parents together. A big Banquet atmosphere!

This event is put on by the FALCON BOOSTERS and if the Band Parents sell the most tickets we win $500 to help with band expenses

Contact Mark DePino on his cell tx 630-649-0166 or oldcop600 @ gmail.com

Congratulations to these WHNS students

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!"

"Falcon Fest" Saturday, 9/20/08

The 21st Annual Falcon Marching Band Festival, featuring 18 bands in competition, takes place Saturday, September 20, 2008

See our dedicated Falcon Marching Band Festival page for special information, including: Director/Spectator Info |  Performance Schedule | Tickets |  Judges | Results |  Videos | Weather |  Awards | Festival Chairpersons |  WNHS Director, or click on the "Events" tab at the top of the page.

All are welcome. See you there!

Marching Band DVD

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!

Hope to see (meet) you soon!

Ann Gieseke

Band Camp is Here!!

Just some last minute reminders:

• 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.

Contact Mark DePino if you can help!

2008-09 Marching Band Camp Schedule

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
  
  

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.

• 2008 Concert Band Final Exam Review Sheet
• Original British Invasion

We Have Moved! (Finally. Heavy Sigh.)

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)
• Attire: Semi formal event, proper attire required.
• 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

• Vice President
• Secretary

Unsure? Talk to any of the current committee chairs, officers, or other band parents. We need you.

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.

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)
• Attire: Semi formal event, proper attire required.
• 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). Click to read the USASOC Obituary or the earlier Press Release.

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

Apple QuickTime
Media Player Components for Apple QuickTime

Senior Farewell Concert - May 21, 2007

• Wind Ensemble
• Symphonic Band
• Concert Band

In the future, we will refine the video capabilities as our budget allows. Please forward your comments

Picture Archive:

• 2007 Jazz at Fitzgerald's
• (more) 2007 Jazz at Fitzgerald's
• 2007 Marching Band Banquet
• 2007 Marching Band Banquet
• 2007 Marching Band Banquet
• 2007 St. Louis BOA Super Regional
• 2007 Fall Season
• 1978 Marching Falcons
• 2007 Festival Warmup
• 2007 Naperville Central Contest
• 2007 Band Camp
• Wind Ensemble video - May 21, 2007
• Symphonic Band video - May 21, 2007
• Concert Band video - May 21, 2007
• Memorial Day Parade, 2007
• 2006-7 Band Awards
• 2006-7 Band Awards (cont)
• Barnes & Noble - May 24, 2007
• Band Room - in 1990's