One More Time Around Again Marching Band

April 28, 2008

We have some important changes to the rehearsal schedule that you need to be aware of:

Tuesday, May 27 rehearsal is CANCELLED
Saturday, May 31 rehearsal is CANCELLED (but we will be meeting at Lincoln High starting at 6pm, buses to the Starlight Parade formation area begin at 7pm)
Wednesday, May 28 is our NEW DATE for our Field Show/Marching Mandatory Rehearsal at the Cleveland High School Football Field/Track located at 33rd & SE Powell.

Many of you have asked for the "play list" for this year - here it is:

Parades (including song numbers):

We're an American Band
Louie, Louie
On Broadway
Stars & Stripes

Concert at the Park (in order of performance):

We're an American Band
On Broadway
Southern Medley
New Orleans
Swing, Swing, Swing
Cowboy Medley
Stars & Stripes
Louie, Louie
America (Mass Band)

Don't forget to get tickets for Concert at the Park at rehearsals through May 22. Our goal is to sell at least 1,000 and pack the stands with OMTAAMB fans! Reserved seats are $12 and General Admission is $10 - and no handling fees! The May 1 rehearsal is your last chance to get double entries in the ticket sales contest for each Concert at the Park ticket purchased. There are great prizes on the line, including an open airline ticket on Southwest Airlines, free 2009 band dues, a golf package and more. Look for slick color posters suitable for hanging at your workplace at the May 1 rehearsal.

Get your OMTAAMB souvenirs while they're hot! Buy your blinking pins for the Starlight Parade before we run out (the roses are selling fast!) - and OMT first aid kits will be arriving soon. You can pre-order Concert at the Park CD's and band photos at the souvenir table as well.

In the interest of saving time, that is all for now - see you at rehearsal!

Jay & Mary Bengel

February 6, 2008

It's time! This Thursday, February 7 is the first early music pick-up date - 6pm to 8pm at Whitford.

Hopefully you've all received and read the 2008 "welcome back" letter that was sent out about 2 weeks ago. It included the rehearsal calendar and some important information about music pick-up and other subjects.

For music pick-up this Thursday, please remember that we have made a small change to the process. Rather than having everyone check-in at a check-in table, you will need to print your name on the sign-out sheet for each packet of music you are taking. If you are taking a packet for someone else, there will be a space for you to put their name. It may take a few extra moments, but it will immensely help our wonderful music librarians (Karen and Kathy) as they try to prepare music packets for everyone. Practice CD's will also be available for pickup - for instrumentalists and auxiliary members as well. The second and final opportunity to pick up music prior to the first rehearsal is Saturday, February 23 from 10am-Noon at the Rose Festival office. Please remember that the music library is not housed at the Rose Festival office, so if you are unable to pick up your music early, it will be available at the first rehearsal on April 8.

We'd also like to welcome Kelly McAvay to our team! Kelly is a seasonal events assistant for the Rose Festival, and will be helping out providing adminstrative support to the OMTAAMB. Carol is still around, but Kelly will be taking on your calls, questions and all things that go through the Rose Festival office.

We look forward to seeing you this Thursday!

Jay & Mary Bengel

November 28, 2007

THANK YOU to everyone who enjoyed a sunny "brisk" post-Thanksgiving morning last Friday for the Macy's Holiday Parade downtown. It was a great day for a parade! If you weren't able to join us, hope you were able to catch a glimpse on channel 8, or if not, check out these photo links (thanks to Jan & Rich for sharing): http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0ActGLho4btmLDBg&notag=1 and http://www.flickr. com/photos/ richtpt/sets/ 7215760327751823 3/.

If you participated in the parade and lost your pedometer, please contact Carol Ross at carolr@rosefestival.org or 503-227-2681 to retrieve it. If you still have your OMTAAMB-owned instrument, please make arrangements with Steve Martin (503-654-7536 or email imyldnkrz@msn.com) to return it. We didn't anticipate our van getting flagged to go a different direction when we arrived at the disband area!

TRAVEL UPDATE: We had originally considered kicking off our 25th anniversary with a trip to Pasadena in 2009. However, our band - size, look, etc. - does not seem to fit with what they want for 2009. We may be a better fit for their 2010 parade, so we are opting to apply for 2010. In the meantime, we also want to explore Calgary as a possibility for July of 2009. Both options suggest that you start contributing to your own "travel fund" now! Also, if you do not have a passport, consider obtaining one in 2008, just in case we opt for Calgary at some point in the future.

And just one last quick reminder that your renewal forms are DUE DECEMBER 7!!! We're reviewing new applications in December, so we need to know how many people are returning in which sections - including auxiliary! Please turn in your forms by the deadline. If the Grinch has tied up your pocketbook, you can take advantage of the split payment option - $25 now and $25 in February - or use that windfall from your kicker check!

Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing all of you in the spring!

Jay & Mary Bengel

November 9, 2007

We have just received confirmation regarding a change in the Holiday Parade route for this year. The new route begins and ends near Lincoln High, so that means we will *not* be in the same formation area as last year. Our exact formation location is on the sidewalk bordering 14th Ave in front of Lincoln High School. We are to line up in between the Parkrose High School Band and the Tigard High School Band. Other bands will be lining up in the grass, so we will need to remain on the sidewalk. The confirmation from Macy's states that we must be in position in the formation area by 7:30am - please remember that these are their rules, so we need to be respectful and abide by them if we want to continue to be invited to participate! Come prepared for the weather (white longjohns, turtleneck, gloves and rain gear if needed) but please note that there will not be any place to store coats, jackets, instrument cases, etc. Please leave those things in your car or at home. Wear your 2007 (yellow) uniform polo shirt and bring your sparkly Santa hat from last year, or if you checked on your RSVP card that you need a hat, you'll be given one when you arrive at the formation area. The parade is televised on KGW Northwest Newschannel 8 that morning. We are the 20th entry in the parade, just after the Macy's Rocking Horse inflatable float and the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo (I know what you are thinking...they are supposed to have their own pooper-scooper so it shouldn't be an issue). We will be playing "Santa's Parade" and "Louie Louie" - copies of music will only be available at the rehearsal on Tuesday, November 20 in the Whitford Middle School Cafeteria from 7pm to 8pm.

Also please don't forget to return your 2008 renewal form by the December 7 deadline.

We look forward to seeing you on the 20th and the 23rd!

October 24, 2007

2008 renewal forms went out by regular mail on October 24. Included is a bright red postage-paid RSVP Card for the Holiday Parade - DUE November 2. Please fill out and return the postcard right away, so additional Santa hats can be ordered to arrive in time for the Macy's Holiday Parade!

Your 2008 renewal is due by December 7, 2007.

October 4, 2007

Where did the summer go?! It's time to start thinking about the 2008 season, as we wrap up 2007 with our performance at the Macy's Holiday Parade in downtown Portland. Please read these very important details, followed by some announcements:

- Tuesday, November 20 - 7pm-8pm - Rehearsal at Whitford Middle School Cafeteria for the Holiday Parade. We will be playing the same songs as last year: Santa's Parade and Louie Louie. If you don't have a copy of Santa's Parade, it will be available at rehearsal. Auxiliary units - there are other activites going on in the gym and other parts of the buidling that night - we will not have access to those areas. Please join the band in the Cafeteria for practice.

- Friday, November 23 - 8am - 10am-ish - The entire band must be in the formation area by NO LATER THAN 8am (this is a rule enforced by the Macy's Parade organizers). SEE ABOVE FOR UPDATED FORMATION LOCATION INFORMATION - THIS INFORMATION IS NOT CURRENT: We will likely have the same location for line up: Couch St. between NW Park and NW 8th. PLEASE NOTE - transportation to/from formation & disband area is NOT provided this year, and we will NOT have a rented room for instrument cases. Please make your own arrangements for transportation and your instrument case. I expect we will be finished with the parade at about 10am.

- Uniform for Parade - will be our yellow 2007 uniform shirt, white pants, socks and shoes, and if you still have it from last year, your sparkly red Santa hat. More hats are being ordered and will be distributed at the parade formation area if you are new or did not get one last year. Optional additions to your uniform (dress for the weather!) include: white turtleneck/long-sleeved shirt, white longjohns, white gloves, clear rain poncho. If you need a replacement uniform shirt, they will ONLY be available at the rehearsal on November 20, and please remember our supply is limited to the sizes we have left. OMTAAMB rain ponchos will be available for sale at rehearsal for $8 each.

Other announcements:

- 2008 Season - By the end of October, you will receive your renewal letter to maintain your spot in the OMTAAMB next year. Included with that will be your RSVP card for the Holiday Parade. Mark your calendars now for our 2008 performance dates: May 31 - Starlight Parade, June 6 - Concert at the Park, June 7 - Grand Floral Parade.

- Survey Results - Thank you to the 290 band members who returned their survey regarding preferences for how we will commemorate our 25th Anniversary season in 2009! Here are the results of the top three in each category:

Travel sites for 2009:

1. Pasadena

2. Calgary

3. San Antonio

Party:

1. Special post-parade party, perhaps different venue

2. The usual post-parade party

3. Special party, different time & place

Uniforms:

1. Special shirt-type uniform & hat

2. "Glitzy" uniform & hat

3. Usual polo shirt & hat

Souvenirs/Memorabilia:

1. Special 25th Anniversary article of apparel

2. Special 25th Anniversary non-wearable souvenir item

3. Special 25th Anniversary commemorative CD

If you would like to see the entire compilation of the survey results, printed copies will be available at rehearsal on November 20, and at the first rehearsal of the 2008 season.

- Travel - Because Pasadena came in at #1 in the survey, we have applied with the Tournament of Roses to participate in the January 1, 2009 parade. Our application is under consideration right now, and we hope to hear good news by the end of the month. Regardless of our travel destination, please start thinking NOW about your personal budget and setting aside some money on a monthly basis so you'll be able to come on the trip! Keep in mind that travel and lodging expenses continually escalate, particularly in the areas we want to travel to (ie: Southern California during the holidays).

- Calling all Jefferson High School Grads - If you played in the Jefferson High School Band, the school would like to recognize you at their Homecoming football game on Friday, October 12. You don't need to play, but if you are able to attend, please contact Sherry at Jefferson - 503-916-5180 (press extension 1, then press extension 1279) - so she can be sure you get recognized that night.

- Rose Festival wins Major Award - If you haven't heard, the Portland Rose Festival was declared "Best in the World" by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). The festival took the most awards in its history, with 30 total accolades for separate events, programs and features including the coveted Grand Pinnacle Award for the top event in its budget category. The Kentucky Derby Festival took the next highest honor. Notable among the other 30 awards include Gold awards for the WaMu Waterfront Village (best children's programming), the Rose Festival Court (best community outreach program), and "From One Rose" Centennial Motion Picture (best event video). Doesn't it feel great to say we're the band for the Best Festival in the World?

- Rose Festival Auction - Hopefully you received the email earlier this week about the Rose Festival's big fundraising event - "It's Reigning Roses" Dinner & Auction, that will be held on Saturday, October 13. If you'd like to order tickets for this event, please contact Carol Ross at carolr@rosefestival.org or call 503-227-2681 x125.

See you all soon!

June 19, 2007

Hope you are all recovering nicely from a busy Centennial Celebration weekend! Thank you so much for you time, talent and dedication this year - you should feel incredibly proud of how good you looked and how great you sounded.

The evidence of this has been captured on CD - the recording of Friday night's Concert at the Park. This is the best ever recording we've heard since...well, since the beginning of this band. Wow! Don't miss your last chance to order the CD. Band members should use a members-only order form to order this and the 2007 band photo as well as other band merchandise. We have to make the CD and photo members-only items due to copyright laws, so you won't find the opportunity to order these things on the web site - they only can be ordered with the Members-Only form available from Carol Ross (carolr@rosefestival.org). Hurry, the deadline to order these items is June 30, 2007.

There are some great OMTAAMB photo links posted on the Pictures page of the OMTAAMB web site (see link, left). Special thanks to Brian Westbrook and Jan Keiski for taking such great photos and making them available to us, and also Rich Uchytil who has offered to help members post photos to an OMTAAMB Flickr site.

We've also had a flurry of other opportunities for band members to participate in different groups and parades. Check out the "Happenings & Links" page (see link, left) where you'll find info about:

- Tillamook June Dairy Parade - this weekend, June 23 (free BBQ for band participants & their families)

- Updated details on how to obtain a special OMTAAMB discount for tickets to Stumptown Stages' production of Grease - through June 30

- West Linn Old Time Fair Parade - July 21

- Robin Hood Festival Parade - July 21

And more!

We are sad to report the news that OMTAAMB tuba player Bob Nathman (fondly known as "Tuba Bob") passed away this last weekend. A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 21, at 2 PM at Twin Oaks Cemetery at 34275 Riverside Drive in Corvallis (behind Parrott's Appliances on Hwy 34). Viewings will be held at DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home at 815 NW Buchanan on Wednesday, June 20 from 11 - 5 and Thursday, June 21 from 9-12. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Corvallis Community Band.

Lastly, the results of the band survey taken this season are being compiled right now, and will be shared later this summer - stay tuned. Until then, have a fun and safe Fourth of July, and a relaxing summer.

Jay & Mary Bengel

June 6, 2007

It's a big week for us! Here is some important info regarding our upcoming performances:

1. Friday at Lincoln HS - be sure to be on time! The 2007 Band Photo will be taken promptly at 6pm, then the band should immediately line up in parade formation to march around the track a few times (we will start this promptly at 6:15pm). THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - Mary and I observed the band from the front and back Saturday night, and we NEED this work.

2. Play lists - the list below is the order for Concert at the Park on Friday and Centennial Exposition on Sunday (with the addition of Happy Birthday) - we may skip a tune or two on Sunday based on time, but be prepared to play these:

Semper Sousa

Tiger Rag

St. Louis Blues

Over the Rainbow

Take the A Train

Rock Around the Clock

These Boots Were Made for Walking

Vehicle

She Blinded Me with Science

Pretty Fly

Louie Louie

Everything�s Coming up Roses (massed band w/schools)

3. Parking Saturday - please remember there is no parking on the streets or in the lots north of Lincoln, anywhere within the disband area. Vehicles within the disband area that are not displaying proper credentials will be subject to tow.

4. Lunch Saturday - our post-parade lunch party is being catered again by Dalton's Northwest Catering - yummy! Special thanks to American Family Insurance who gave us a last-minute donation to help cover the cost of things, such as pop and water, that we used to get donated.

5. Last chance for souvenirs - don't miss out! Get your "member" souvenir hat, water bottle lanyard or blinky pin! Also pre-order the 2007 Concert at the Park CD and the 2007 band photo! Saturday will be the last chance to take home this stuff. You can order after that, but mailing charges will apply. Remember, sales directly benefit the band!

6. Sunday parking - you may park in the garage at the Convention Center for a fee, but street parking (since it is Sunday) will be free. Remember to meet in corridor F (you may leave instrument cases there, but it is not a secure closed room) by 11:30am so we can march in to Exhibit Hall D promptly at Noon.

7. Photo sharing - Rich Ucytil has posted some photos from last Saturday on the OMTAAMB Flickr group. For the link and to learn more about Flickr, go to the Pictures page (link to the left)

8. Other things to know - learn more about these things on the "Current Happenings & Links" page (link to the left):

-How to purchase Rose Festival Centennial Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir made by Oak Knoll Winery from the exclusive retailer (and band members Ken Hatch and Teri Wasco's business) Ainsworth Drug & Gifts.

-How to support the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Hillsboro June 23-24, which twirler and banner-carrier Cindi Luther is participating in.

-How to participate in the Robin Hood Festival Marching Band - July 21, 2007.

-How to receive a 20% discount on tickets to see Stumptown Stages production of GREASE featuring Tom Yates' wife and Cy Yates' mom Patty Price-Yates - playing at the World Trade Center through June 30.

See all of you Friday!

Jay & Mary Bengel