News and Announcements Archive (Music played in seasons past)

2007-2008
REVISED REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Please note that for the moment, there WILL be a rehearsal at Evergreen on Monday, June 23. Evergreen's school year will already have ended so it is possible this could change. Please check back here to verify if it is not confirmed at our penultimate rehearsal.
(6/9/08)

Sad news to report.
The truck driver in this article was a Bb tuba player with Puget Brass. Our condolences to the band, family, and friends.

Tow truck driver who died in accident identified
P-I STAFF
The tow-truck driver who died Wednesday night when a flatbed truck he was preparing for a tow rolled on top of him has been identified by the King County Medical Examiner's Office as Shawn Cary McKinney, 44.
The incident began when police were investigating a theft in the Magnolia neighborhood. As part of that investigation, officers called Lincoln Towing to have the flatbed truck impounded, said police spokesman Mark Jamieson.
The McKinney arrived in the 4400 block of 26th Avenue West and determined that the flatbed truck was too big for his tow-truck, so he called for a second, larger tow vehicle.
He was making preparations so that the flatbed truck could be towed when it rolled on him, Jamieson said.
The second tow-truck driver discovered the accident at 10 p.m.

TIME CHANGE FOR THE COVE, SHORELINE BAND FEST ADDED
Please note that the concert time for The Cove on June 1 has been moved up from 2PM to 1PM. The Shoreline Band Festival has also been added to our calendar. The time for this one is yet to be determined. Watch for updates here, but please note both items in your own schedules.
(4/30/08)

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE CHANGE
There will be NO rehearsal on Monday, April 7. Definitely do not show up at Ilahee.
(3/25/08)

CONCERT DATE CHANGES
Please note the following concert date changes:

• Festival of Bands Concert originally scheduled for March 12 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 25, at 7:30PM. Location is the same.
• Strawberry Festival date has changed from June 21 to June 28.

HOLIDAY PARTY AT LA ROCCAS
Monday, December 17, 6:30PM
Note a corrected address for the Holiday Potluck Party:
Bart and Gail La Rocca
31405 41 Ave SW
Federal Way, WA 98023

BAND PICNIC AND NEW SEASON
The Highline Band Summer Potluck Picnic will be on August 26, 2007, at the SOUTH shelter in Seahurst Park, Burien, Sw 140th St & 16th Pl Sw. Park in one of the lots near the water. Cross the creek to the left. The south shelter is just a short walk. Starting at noon. Eats at 1:30.

NEW SEASON STARTS
Rehearsals for the 37th season begin on September 10 at Evergreen High School.
(8/20/07)

2006-2007
JUNE 4 REHEARSAL LOCATION CHANGE
Evergreen HS will not be available for rehearsal tonight. We will relocate to Ron's school, Illahee Middle School in Federal Way. The address is:

Illahee Middle School
36001 1st Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003

From Seattle
Take I-5 south to S 348TH ST / WA-18 W EXIT 142B. EXIT west.
Go west on S 348th Street approx 1.3 miles, past Pacific Hwy S to 1st Ave S. Turn LEFT.
Go south past S 356th St. approximately 0.9 miles, to Ilahee School.
School will be on the right. Look for big parking lot and signs to the band room.
(jt-6/4/07)

REMINDER: NO REHEARSAL MAY 21
Evergreen HS Band will be in Victoria and the band room will not be available. The last rehearsal before OUR trip to Victoria will be May 14. Only those going on the trip should attend.
(jt-5/11/07)

INFORMATION FOR SHORELINE BAND FESTIVAL
We now have information for the Shoreline Community Band Festival on June 24. There will be six bands involved, including the U.S. Navy's Sound of Freedom band. Highline Band will be performing last at 4PM and will do a half hour concert. The full schedule is as follows:

12PM - 12:45PM		Sound of Freedom (U.S. Navy Band) Silverdale, WA
1PM - 1:30PM		Around the Sound Community Band, Shoreline
1:45PM - 2:15PM		Lynnwood Community Band
2:30PM - 3PM		Monroe Community Concert Band
3:15PM - 3:45PM		Woodinville Community Band
4PM - 4:30PM		Highline Community Band

This information was provided in a letter from the Around the Sound Community Band, organizers of this portion of the Shoreline Arts Festival. The concert location is 18560 1st Ave NE in Shoreline. Here are additional maps to the location and the facility. Click on each for a larger image. If you would like to view or download the complete letter including maps in PDF format click here.

Directions to Shoreline Center

Directions to Auditorium

HYMN OF THE HIGHLANDS RECORDINGS
Reduced quality recordings of the Hymn of the Highlands Suite are available here for study purposes. You can access them by clicking the following links:

I. Ardross Castle [3.3MB]
II. Alladale [2.0MB]
III. Dundonnell [2.7MB]

If you would like to purchase the original recording (highly recommended!) you can find it at one of these sites:

Amazon.com UK
4 Bars Rest
   (Select "Full list of CDs" then look up Polyphonic records)

Both of these are in the UK. Other recordings are available in various forms, but this is the original by the Yorkshire Building Society Band who commissioned the work. And they are amazing! Shipping, even from England, is usually pretty quick.
(jt-3/8/07)

VICTORIA IS ON. MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!
Here are some excerpts from the letter dated January 16 regarding the Victoria concerts over Memorial Day:

It's time for you to make travel and hotel reservations. Dee Grey, the manager at the Embassy Inn (roughly two blocks from the Port Angeles to Victoria ferry terminal) has set aside a block of twenty rooms for us at a discounted rate (below). The rate is especially good given that this is a very busy weekend in Victoria. Phone numbers/websites are listed below. Plan to be in Victoria by 12:00 [noon] on the 26th to allow enough time to find the park, etc. More detailed info (maps, etc.) will be made available as the trip approaches.

Blackball Ferry (Port Angeles to Victoria) 1-360-457-4491

Schedules / fares / reservation / information on the web
Google "Blackball Ferry", or click here (www.cohoferry.com).
Click on Victoria to Port Angeles vehicle and passenger ferry.
NOTE: Sailing times will be three a day out of Port Angeles (8:20 am, 12:45 & 5:15 pm)
Be sure to make a round trip reservation.

Embassy Inn 1-800-268-8161     Room rate: $117.00 CAN per room per night
Rate for three nights (May 24, 25, 26)    Room rates subject to 6% GST tax and 10% Provincial room tax. Rooms not reserved by April 15 will be released.

Important! A passport is NOT required at this time if crossing the border by land OR sea (i.e. the ferries). Land and sea transit MAY require a passport beginning in January of 2008, but this is not yet determined and is not currently required. If you should decide to fly into Victoria a passport IS REQUIRED now (as of January 23, 2007). If you have a passport, it's always best to use that when crossing the border. Those traveling by land or sea currently require proof of citizenship. The two documents acceptable for native-born citizens are the passport and a government issued birth certificate. (Hospital birth certificates are not technically acceptable, though they may work if notorized and depending on who is inspecting your documents. Best not to risk it.) If you were born outside the U.S. and do not hold a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Citizenship or a Certificate of Consular Registration of Birth would be required. Of course, once again, after next January the only document that will be acceptable will be a passport. Be prepared!
(2/8/07)

REMINDER! NO REHEARSAL JANUARY 29
AND REMEMBER THE BRASS BAND FEST SATURDAY, JANUARY 27
It's time to remind everyone of the 5th Annual Northwest Brass Band Festival, Saturday, January 27. The concert will be at 7PM at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, presented by five bands from Washington and British Columbia and the grand finale massed band. Guest director this year will be Frank Renton, noted brass band conductor and BBC radio host. Mark Babbitt, CWU and Gunnar Folsum of Pacific NW Ballet will be guest clinicians, with a concert solo by Dr. Babbitt. Suggested donation is $15 adults/$10 students & seniors. Brass players are welcome to sit in for workshops and/or the massed band portion of the concert, but pre-registry is required. Visit the host band's site for more information: www.brassbandnw.org.
(1/22/07)

CAN YOU MAKE IT TO VICTORIA?
Here is the tentative schedule for the 2007 Memorial Day weekend trip to Victoria. If you'd like to read Ron's letter in its entirety, click here.

Friday, May 25	Equipment truck to Victoria via Port Angeles Co-Ho Ferry
Saturday, May 26	12:00 pm - Equipment setup at Beacon Hill Cameron Band Shell 1:30 pm - Concert with Greater Victoria Concert Band TBA - Reception/dinner buffet/social at Embassy Suites 6:30 pm - Equipment setup at Esquimalt HS (15 min. from Harbor area) 7:30 pm - Concert with GVCB
Sunday, May 27	TBA - Equipment truck return home / offload at Evergreen

In the warm-up room at the Foster Holiday Concert you will be able to pur your name on slips provided, drop them in the box, and we'll go from there.
(12/6/06)

36th SEASON STARTS SEPTEMBER 11
Evergreen High School, 7:30PM
Also remember the band picnic is Sunday, September 10 at Seahurst Park, starting at noon. HOPE TO SEE YOU BOTH PLACES!
(8/31/06)

2005-2006
HOLIDAY PARTY AT KAREN & DICK TYREE'S
This year's Holiday Potluck Party will be hosted by Karen and Dick Tyree, 12036 26th Ave SW, Burien, WA. 206-243-4947.
The date is Monday, December 12, and will run from 7-9:30PM. Potluck starts around 7:30. Coffee, tea, plates, and silverware provided. Look for the white holiday reindeer on the left as you go down the hill. Thanks, Karen!
(12/07/05)

NO REHEARSALS OCTOBER 31 OR NOVEMBER 21
There will be no rehearsal on October 31 due to the fact that it's HALLOWEEN! Stay home and hand out goodies. Also, November 21, (the week of Thanksgiving), there is a conflict with other band schedules, so rehearsal is canceled. Be back the following Monday for a final rehearsal before Wednesday's concert.
(10/12/05)

35th SEASON STARTS SEPTEMBER 19
Evergreen High School, 7:30PM
SEE YOU THERE!
(8/30/05)

2004-2005
PHOTO OP AT MAY 9 REHEARSAL!
A photographer from the local paper (Highline Times) is scheduled to be at our rehearsal on Monday, May 9. If you've got an HCSB shirt, feel free to wear it. Otherwise, try to look neat. We don't want people thinking musicians might be sloppy, eccentric, or strange-looking. ??! Of course, we'll try to convince those same people it doesn't rain in Seattle. :)
(05/04/05-jt)

NO REHEARSAL APRIL 11
Evergreen High School will be closed and inaccessible April 11. There will be no rehearsal. See you back on April 18!
(03/29/05-jt)

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL TIME CHANGE
Please note the time change for the Strawberry Festival performance on June 18... 4PM instead of 3PM. Note it in you calendars or keep checking back here. :)
(03/18/05-jt)

MIKE McDANIEL HAS LEFT US
It is with heavy heart that I must inform the membership of the passing of Mike McDaniel Tuesday night, March 1. He collapsed while warming up before Brass Band rehearsal in Bellevue. Heroic efforts by band members and quick responding paramedics were only able to barely stabalize him long enough to get him to Overlake Hospital, where he died. Mike loved music and was a great contribution to all the musical organizations with whom he played, Highline Band among them. He will be difficult to replace in many respects and he will be sorely missed. There will be a memorial service Saturday, March 12 at 10am in the Southminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines at 19834 8th Ave S.
(03/03/05-jt)

BAND FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS
The 2005 Northwest Brass Band Festival was another great success. The performances by the individual bands on Saturday night were particularly moving, though admittedly the massed band concert fell a little short of expectations due to that fact that two bands needed to leave early and a number of members of the remaining bands had other commitments for that afternoon. Still, it was a raucous time and a lot of fun under the direction of Jim Curnow, capped by a "knock-down" performance of The Worried Drummer by Paul Hansen, as well as great solos from Don Immel and Charlie Butler. Be sure to watch for it all again next year.
(03/03/05-jt)

THIRD ANNUAL BRASS BAND FESTIVAL (2005)
Yes, Folks, it's time again to make brazen use of this website to announce yet more music fetes. For the third year Brass Band Northwest will host the annual Northwest Brass Band Festival, Saturday and Sunday, January 29 & 30, at the First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue (1717 Bellevue Way). This year's festival is arranged a little differently to accomodate six brass bands from the region. In addition to the Washington Bands: BBNW, Puget Brass, Salvation Army Brass Band, and Spokane British Brass Band, and last year's addition internationalizing the event from B.C., Little Mountain Brass Band, we will also welcome this year the Cariboo Hill Brass, also from B.C. The concert Saturday night at 7PM will be devoted to performances by the individual bands, each with approximately 15 minutes of playing time. Sunday afternoon at 1PM, some 150 brass (and a few percussion) players will assemble for a truly massive full concert under the direction of James Curnow, noted composer, arranger, and educator. Mr. Curnow will also hold clinics on Saturday, as will Don Immel, UW associate professor of trombone, and Paul Hansen, percussionist with the Seattle Symphony, Pacific Ballet and 5th Avenue Theatre.

Both concerts are open to the public for a suggested $10 donation. For more information please visit Brass Band Northwest's website at www.brassbandnw.org. Go to the "News Archives" for a review of last year's festivities then join us for another year of great music!
(01/24/05-jt)

REHEARSAL ON FEBRUARY 21!
Please note that February 21, President's Day, has been added back into the calendar as a rehearsal date in order to work with Mark Babbitt for his solo performance at Ellensberg. Those of you who have not made other plans please try to attend.
(01/25/05)

HOLIDAY PARTY
at Bart and Gail LaRocca's
Monday, December 13, 7PM
913 Pike Street NW, Auburn
253-333-1897
For map click here!.
Directions:
SR 167 is the main route there. From north or south take the 15th Street NW exit in Auburn.
Turn right from the north or left from the south (head west) to the first stop light. (West Valley Highway)
Turn left to the first right. (11th Street NW)
Go up the hill to the first left. (Pike Street NW)
Look for the house on the right. If you get lost call and we'll send out a search party.

NEW SEASON STARTS SEPTEMBER 13
Evergreen High School, 7:30PM
SEE YOU THERE!
(9/05/04)

2003-2004
BURIEN STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL CONCERT, SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2004, 5PM
For those of you (like me) who were unable to attend the last concert at the Cove or the last rehearsal on June 1, or were unable to hear, pay attention, remember, or otherwise absorb what was said at the rehearsal before that, our concert at the Burien Strawberry Festival 2004 is coming up this Saturday, June 19. THE TIME HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM 3PM TO 5PM so make a note of it. Call time is 4:30 at the Burien Community Center. Dress is white shirt or blouse (HCSB white polo shirt if you've got it), black slacks or skirt, black shoes, socks... you know the rest. Forecast is for sunshine and happy faces. See you then.
(6/14/04)

LETTER FROM WACB REGARDING CANCELLATION OF SPRING FAIR BANDS
Dear WACB Members and Participants,
As many of you know, and some of you might NOT know, the Annual Community Band Festival at the Puyallup Spring Fair was cancelled some time last year. I was under the impression that all groups had been notified of this but apparently some had not. If you are one of the groups that weren't informed of this, please accept my apologies. As my current mailing list may not be the most accurate, please communicate this information to any other groups that you might have contact with.

The reason given for the cancellation of this event was a need by the Fair to acquire other groups with a larger draw, etc. We had no control over this but will be in contact with the Seattle Center for an alternative event, hopefully, sometime later in the summer. If any of you have some other location that might be suitable for another kind of similar event, please let me know and I'll attempt to organize it for the other members as well. I'm truly sorry about this predicament and will be I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

As many of you remember, no dues has been solicited or requested for some time. The reason for this is that I don't see a requirement of dues when a festival, event, or otherwise doesn't need to be funded. My organizing of this event is something that I rather enjoy, requires no funding on my part, and as a result should not require any funding on your part either. I believe that in order to maintain the continuation of the WACB organization, we need to relax the payment of dues when none are necessary. That belief may not be shared among other members of the organization but that's my feelings on the subject and I will continue down that path.

As for this year's festival, should it materialize, I will continue to pursue an opening at the Seattle Center, and other locations as well, for this event. Regardless of whether this event occurs or not, or whether or not I am allowed to continue as the president of the WACB organization, I will still attempt to organize this event without any payment of dues, etc. I'll also keep you posted on this progress.

Again, if there are some of you that haven't gotten the notice of the Puyallup festival cancellation, please accept my apology. If you have any ideas that might help organize these kinds of events, that you would like to share, especially in other areas of Washington State, please contact me at the source of this email or at our website. Also, I'll be updating our website with any new information. I can also be contacted through that medium as well.

Thanks for your patience,

Jon Peters - President
Washington Association of Community Bands
www.wacb.org
(4/20/04)

VOTING ON DUES AMMENDED IN BY-LAWS
The motion to revise voting on dues was again presented at rehearsal on 1/26/04. The original motion to vote once per year on dues with additional voting as deemed necessary by the board, was ammended to read once per year "in the fall" so a vote can be taken at the beginning of each season. The motion passed unanimously. The bylaws will be updated and posted soon.
(1/27/04)

GREAT BRASS BAND FESTIVAL
The 2nd Annual Northwest Brass Band Festival was a real kick. Philip Sparke of London Town brought with him that oh-so unmistakable British sense of humor, which left us all wry and dry. Performing the music with the composer conducting was a tremendous pleasure and we all thank him for taking the time and effort to join us. Richard Pressley's performances in the Concerto for Trumpet and Brass Band and Gaelforce were impeccable. These are the occasions not to be missed, even if they do start way too early in the morning. Be sure to watch for it again next year!
(1/26/04-jt)

MOTION TO AMMEND BY-LAWS
A motion has been presented to the membership to ammend the by-laws to require a vote on dues only once per season with additional voting at the discression of the board. This allows the board to determine if, due to fluctuation in membership, a change in dues might be necessary to remain solvent, while at the same time eliminating some of the inconvenience to the members to vote each quarter on dues. This has been read to the band members once and will be read a second time before actually being put to a vote.
(1/13/04)

BRASS BAND FEST ANNOUNCEMENT
Brass Band Northwest will be hosting the second annual Northwest Brass Band Festival on Saturday, January 24, 2004, at the First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue. Five Bands from the Northwest will be participating, including bands from Spokane and Vanvouver, B.C. Philip Sparke, well-known brass band composer, will be the guest clinician all the way from foggy London town (or somewhere in England). Rick Pressley, assistant principal trumpet with the Seattle Symphony will be guest soloist in Sparke's Concerto for Trumpet and Brass Band. Concert will be at 7:30PM. Each band will perform two pieces followed by the massed band performing several more and rattling the windows of the church. For more information go to the BBNW web site and click on "Upcoming Concerts."
(1/13/04)