Summer 2010

2010-2011 Region and All-City Etude books and etude selections are available from the Student Area Page

From Mr. Hardy, the new Bellaire Band Director:

BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL BAND
5100 Maple
Bellaire, Texas 77401


Dear Bellaire High School Cardinal Band Students and Parents,

It is my honor to have been selected as the new band director for the Bellaire High
School Cardinal Band! This has all happened pretty recently, and we are getting things in
place as quickly as we can, but I look forward to getting started. Over the last few years,
the Bellaire Band has taken some significant steps forward, and while there will be some
challenges ahead, I am confident we can move to the next levels.

One of the questions I have been asked most often in the last week has been about
marching band and UIL. We will field a competition marching band this year, and I fully
intend that this will include UIL Marching Contest. By the first week of August we will
have selected show music, and will get started preparing for October Very soon a
rehearsal schedule will be posted (as soon as we can get confirmation on a few details
that will affect the schedule). These rehearsals will be critical in getting us prepared for a
successful season, so please mark your calendars. A full season calendar will also be
available very soon.

Any time there is change there is uncertainty – that is normal. What I can assure you is
that I have a record of successful bands, and it is my expectation that the Bellaire High
School Band will experience success at the highest levels as well. That will happen if we
work hard and together to achieve excellence each and every day. Will there be changes?
Absolutely! Of course, there are always changes. If we always strive to improve, we
adapt and change what we do to achieve higher levels of success. So change is a positive
part of growth in an organization! With that said, I can assure you that you will also find
a lot of things that will be very familiar.

I am sure you all have a lot of questions about me and what to expect from me. What I
will tell you here is that most of what I do is based in the belief that excellence is a habit.
If we do everything each day at an excellent level – from how we play to how we move
to how we store our instruments to how consistently we turn in our math homework - we
will put ourselves in the best position to achieve success. During the year we will
compete with other bands, against a rating standard, with other individuals, and more.
However, our strongest opponent is how well we meet the challenge of achieving
consistent progress and excellence every day. If we can do that, we will put ourselves in a
position to succeed in head-to-head competition.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at the band hall (I am
sure I’ll have an email soon!). I am excited to be a part of the Bellaire High School
Cardinal Band!

Michael Hardy
Band Director
Bellaire High School


August (there may still be some minor adjustments to the summer schedule)
Tues, Aug 3: 6:00pm-7:30pm – Winds/Percussion (playing rehearsal)
Wed, Aug 4: 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Percussion (playing rehearsal)
Thurs, Aug 5: 6:30pm-8:00pm – Winds/Percussion (playing rehearsal)
Fri, Aug 6: 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Percussion (playing rehearsal)

Mon - Fri, Aug. 9-13: Colorguard, Percussion, Leadership (all others invited)
-- 8:30am – 3:00pm (Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm) – Some outside time (mornings)
-- 3:00pm – 5:00pm Inside Percussion rehearsal
-- Colorguard and Percussion schedules may vary – you will get the schedule from the teacher.
-- Freshmen can attend Cardinal Camp; if you have not already signed up for a morning or afternoon session, please select the morning session if you are percussion, and the afternoon session for all others.
For outside rehearsals be sure to be prepared:
-Light weight/light colored clothing
-Hat, sunglasses
-Sunscreen and Bug Spray
-Water jug (Not just a plastic water bottle) – critical!
-Low-quarter tennis shoes WITH SOCKS!
-Be sure to eat breakfast in the mornings!

Sat, Aug 14: BAND REGISTRATION (Times TBA) – Fee payment, uniform fitting, instrument checkout (if not issued previous week), locker assignments, and more. It is very important that one or both of your parents attend as we will be giving out several forms required by the school for participation in and travel with the band.

Mon - Fri, Aug. 16-20: ALL
-- 8:30am – 10:30am – Outside Marching rehearsal (see information above for outside rehearsals)
-- 10:30am – 11:30am – Inside Playing rehearsal
-- 1:00pm – 3:00pm – Inside Playing rehearsal
-- 3:00pm – 5:00pm – Inside Percussion Rehearsal

During the week of August 16th, some rehearsals may be moved to evenings due to in-service for teachers. Those rehearsals will be 6:00pm-8:00pm for the full band. Additional Percussion rehearsals may also be scheduled based on in-service schedule.

*Thurs, Aug 19 (8:00PM-10:30PM): POOL PARTY!

We are aware that because the original schedule did not begin until August 16th that some families may have made plans for the first two weeks. Please make every effort to be at all of the rehearsals if you are in town, and it is especially important to attend the band registration on Saturday, Aug 14th. If you cannot attend one of the rehearsals scheduled, please let either Mr. Hardy or Mr. Montalvo (smontalv@houstonisd.org) know as soon as possible. With our semi-late start, it is critical that we get the most out of our time!

TBS: First BBPO meeting
Mon, 8/23: First Day of School
Fri, 8/27, 7:30 pm: Football Game, Brazoswood @ Bellaire, Butler Stadium

Adidtional schedule information for the rest of the year can be found on the calendar.

For dates for UIL Region Band/Choir/Orchestra Auditions and more, see the Region 23 calendars: UIL TMEA

If you have or get any great pictures of the band, please send them to Webmaster@BellaireBand.org and we will get them on the Website.