Hello All,

Pre-MPA Performance - Thank you to all that came out and supported our students this past Friday for the Pre-MPA concert.  This was a great educational experience for all of us and gave our students a chance to show off.  Now we will be getting ready for the big MPA concert on the 8th. :-)

Indoor Groups - Thank you to all that have been going to the indoor competitions the past several weeks.  These students are working hard and deserve all of our support.  Come see both our guard and percussion this Saturday at Choctaw HS this Saturday.  Performance times are below.  We will have the full itineraries ready soon.

FBA Concert - The FBA Concert MPA performance is Friday March 8th at Ft. Walton Beach HS.  The Concert Band will perform at 6pm and the Symphonic at 8pm.  All wind, percussion, and managers are required to attend this.  We will be wearing our new uniforms for this, without gloves, helmets, and gauntlets. We do need chaperones and a truck driver for this.  Sign-ups have been posted to the calendar or you can CLICK HERE to sign-up.  Below is a tentative itinerary for that day.  
​
12pm - All band students eat 1st lunch
12:30 - Meet at band room
1pm - Load Buses and Depart for Ft. Walton Beach HS
1:45 - Arrive FWBHS and go to Auditorium to watch bands
2pm-4:30 - Watch Bands
4:30-5:30 - Symphonic Band Eat Dinner
4:45 - Concert Band Meet at Band Truck
5:15pm - Concert Band Warm-up
6pm - CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE
6:30 - Concert Band Sight Reading
6:45-7:30 - Concert Band Eat Dinner
7pm-9pm - Concert Band watch Bands perform
7pm -; Symphonic Band Warm-up
8pm - SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE
8:45 - Symphonic Band Sight Reading
9:30pm - Depart for MHS
10pm - Arrive MHS/Unload/Dismiss

That is all for now.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students this week according to Charms:
Danielle Moody - Tuesday
Grace O'Gara - Wednesday
Destiny Roney - Saturday
Ben Kloth - Saturday

This Week:
Tuesday
3:45-5pm - Concert Woodwind Sectional
4pm-6pm - Symphonic Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Thursday
3:45-5pm - Symphonic Brass Sectional
4pm-6pm - Concert Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Friday
Winterguard Payment 4 Due ($82)

Saturday
Choctaw Indoor Competition
- Both Itineraries to be posted soon
- 12:54 - Black Gold Percussion Ensemble Performance
- 6:33 - Winterguard Performance

Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Tues - Symphonic Band Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal
Wed - Lumpia FR Due
Thurs - Concert Band Rehearsal
Fri - FBA Concert MPA

Together We Are THE MIGHTY BLACK & GOLD!!!

Hello All,
​
Jazz MPA - A Very big CONGRATULATIONS to our own Blackwater Beats Jazz Band for an outstanding performance at Jazz MPA this past Friday! You brought the house down and earned straight superior ratings! We really had fun and the audience did as well!  Great job everyone.

Indoor Groups - Congratulations to both the IP and Winterguard for 2 wonderful performances this past week at Pace.  Lots of progress has been made and we can't wait to see yall perform again this Saturday at Robertsdale HS.  

Mock MPA Concert - This Friday, Gulf Breeze HS Symphonic Band, MHS Concert Band, and MHS Symphonic Band will all be giving performances in the MHS Auditorium beginning at 6pm.  This is required attendance by all students.  We will have 2 adjudicators giving instant feedback to each group.  Parents and family are invited to attend as this is a FREE concert.  

AACC Black History Month Program - This Friday during the school day, the marching band will be performing in the auditorium during 2nd, 3rd, 5th, & 6th periods.  The theme this year is HBCU (Historically Black College & Universities). The complete itinerary is below.  

Band/Indoor Fees - We need all band and indoor fees paid in full ASAP.  I will be sending statements out through email this week.  You can bring in cash or check and put in the moneybox in front of the band office or pay online by CLICKING HERE. 

Lumpia - We will be kicking off the next lumpia fundraiser this week.  Parents, we need your help with making this lumpia.  We have a lumpia committee for these purposes.  Last semester, our wonderful committee hand-rolled over 14,000 rolls.  This can't be done without your help.  Please attend the BPA meeting on Tuesday or see BPA President Nicole Humber [email protected] for more info.
​
MHSBPA Board Nominations -  We are accepting nominations for the 2024-25 BPA Board.  We will take nominations from the floor as well as through email through April. Any current band parent is eligible to be nominated. Positions are President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and both Trustee positions. Please email me with any nominations.

El Paso Spirit Night - Tonight the Band will be hosting a spirit night at El Paso on Dogwood 4pm-close.  10% of proceeds from all meals will be donated to the band.  Please see and print attached flier to bring with you on that night.  

Winterguard Trailer Hauling - Guard parents, WE NEED YOUR HELP with hauling the trailer to competitions.  This is the band enclosed trailer.  I am more than happy to meet you at the band room and show you how to hook it up if needed.  This is a vital part of these competitions.  Without someone to pull the trailer, we cannot continue forward with the indoor competitions.  Please email me if you are able.  

That is all for now.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students according to Charms:
Kamira Miller - Sunday
Libby Makar - Monday

This Week:
Monday
President's Day (No School)
4pm-10pm - Spirit Night at El Paso

Tuesday
3:45-5pm - Concert Brass Sectional
4pm-6pm - Symphonic Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Wednesday
Lumpia FR Kickoff

Thursday
3:45-5pm - Symphonic Low Brass Sectional
3:45-5pm - Symphonic Woodwind Sectional
4pm-6pm - Concert Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Friday
AACC Black History Month Presentation 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th pds.)
- Wear summer uniform (Claw Shirts)
- 9:45 - Dismissed to grab equipment
- Perform 2nd & 3rd periods
- 4th period go to class/eat lunch
- Perform 5th & 6th Pds
- Move equipment to auditorium for concert after performances

MPA Sneak Preview Concert
- 5:30 - Call Time
- 6pm - Concert Band Warm-up & Perform
- 6:30 - Gulf Breeze Symphonic Band Warm-up & Perform
- 7pm - Symphonic Band Warm-up & Perform

Saturday
Robertsdale Indoor Competition:
IP Itinerary
- 8AM-9:30AM - Rehearsal
- 9:30AM - Load Truck
- 9:45AM - Get Dressed/Eat Lunch
- 10:15AM - Load Bus
- 10:20AM Depart MHS
- 11:30AM - Arrive At Robertsdale High School
- 11:35AM - Check in/Unload Truck
- 11:45AM - Start Warmup
- 12:40PM - Move to Gate
- 12:54PM - PERFORMANCE!!!
- 1:05PM - Return to Truck/ Load
- 1:20PM-1:45PM - Free Time
- 1:50PM - Percussion Retreat/ Staff at Critique
- 2:10PM - Load Bus
- 2:15PM - Depart Robertsdale High School
- 3:30PM - Return to MHS/ Unload Truck/ Dismiss

Winterguard Itinerary (Complete Itinerary TBD)
- See Sam & Mackenzie for complete itinerary
- 6:33 - PERFORMANCE

Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Tues - Concert Woodwind Sectional, Symphonic Band Rehearsal, Winterguard Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal
Thurs - Symphonic Brass Sectional, Concert Band Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal, Winterguard Rehearsal
Fri - Winterguard Payment 4 Due ($82)
Sat - Choctaw Indoor Competition

Together We Are THE MIGHTY BLACK & GOLD!!!

Hello All,
​
Solo & Ensemble - Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the FBA S&E this past weekend.  We had a total of 29 entries with 14 Superior, 13 Excellent, and 2 Good Ratings.  Thank you to all of you for stepping up your musicianship skills to the next level! 

FBA Jazz MPA - This Friday is the FBA Jazz MPA.  The Blackwater Beats will be performing at 6:15 at PSC Auditorium.  We invite all of you to come out and support us and listen to some great jazz music from all around the region.  This performance is FREE.  The complete itinerary is below.

Pace Indoor Competition - This Saturday, our two indoor groups will be performing at Pace High School.  Tickets are $10 at the door.  The Black Gold Percussion Ensemble performs at 2:27 and the Winterguard performs at 6:25.  Come on out and watch these wonderful students.

Band/Indoor Fees - We need all band and indoor fees paid in full ASAP.  I will be sending statements out through email this week.  You can bring in cash or check and put in the moneybox in front of the band office or pay online by CLICKING HERE. 
 
MHSBPA Board Nominations - This Tuesday is a very important BPA meeting.  We will begin accepting nominations for the 2024-25 BPA Board.  We will take nominations from the floor as well as through email through April. Any current band parent is eligible to be nominated. Positions are President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. Please see me to nominate.

Lumpia - We will be kicking off the next lumpia fundraiser next week.  Parents, we need your help with making this lumpia.  We have a lumpia committee for these purposes.  Last semester, our wonderful committee hand-rolled over 14,000 rolls.  This can't be done without your help.  Please attend the BPA meeting on Tuesday or see BPA President Nicole Humber [email protected] for more info.

El Paso Spirit Night - On President's Day, Feb. 19, the Band will be hosting a spirit night at El Paso on Dogwood 4pm-close.  10% of proceeds from all meals will be donated to the band.  Please see and print attached flier to bring with you on that night.  

Mock MPA/Preview Concert - We will be hosting a this concert on Friday, February 23rd in the auditorium.  This is a free concert open to the public.  So far, Gulf Breeze HS will perform along with MHS Concert and Symphonic bands.  We will have a couple guest directors giving each band feedback as well.  Please make plans to join us that night.  The performances will begin at 6pm.

Band Trip Meetings Info - I have updated the band trip section of the website with all of the info discussed at the 2 meetings last week.  Please CLICK HERE to access the agendas, room lists with cabin and booking numbers, as well as other items.  

That is all for now.  I hope you have a wonderful week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Following Students according to Charms:
Nathan Garcia - Sunday
Jacey Hunt - Sunday
Averi Odom - Wednesday
Madeline Wixon - Wednesday
Jason Ybarra - Thursday
Marina Gentry - Saturday
Aiden Wires - Saturday

This Week
Monday
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Tuesday
3:45-5pm - Concert Woodwind Sectional
4pm-6pm - Symphonic Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
7pm - MHSBPA Monthly Meeting

Thursday
3:45-5pm - Symphonic Brass Sectional
4pm-6pm - Concert Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Friday
FBA Jazz MPA
2:15 - Depart for PSC
2:45 - Arrive PSC
3pm-5pm - Watch Bands
5pm - Unload Trailer
5:45 - Warm-up
6:15 - PERFORMANCE
6:45-8pm - Watch Bands
8pm-9pm - Steak N'Shake
9:30 - Arrive MHS/Unload

Saturday
Pace Indoor Competition
Black Gold Percussion Ensemble Performance
- 9:30AM -11:30AM Rehearsal @ MHS
- 11:30AM - Dismiss for lunch
- 1:00PM - Arrive at Pace High School
- 1:10PM - Check in/get dressed
- 1:20PM - Unload truck
- 1:30PM - Begin warmup
- 2:18PM - Ready at gate
- 2:27PM - PERFORMANCE!!!
- 2:40PM - back at truck loading
- 3PM - Watch groups 
- 4PM - Retreat
- 4:20PM - Group meet and discuss scores/critique
- 4:30PM dismiss

Milton Winterguard Performance
- See Sam and Mackenzie for complete itinerary
- 6:25 -PERFORMANCE

Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Mon - Presidents Day No School, El Paso Spirit Night
Tues - Concert Brass Sectional, Symphonic Band Rehearsal, Winterguard Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal
Wed - Lumpia FR Kickoff
Thurs - Symphonic Woodwind Sectional, Concert Band Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal, Winterguard Rehearsal
Fri - Marching Band Performances for Black History Month Presentation, Mock FBA Performance
Sat - Choctaw Indoor Competition

Together We Are THE MIGHTY BLACK & GOLD!!!

Hello All,
​
Indoor Groups - Congratulations to our Winterguard and Black Gold Percussion Ensemble for a great start to the competition season with two great performances at South Walton High School.  Come out and see these awesome students at the next competition at Pace High School on Saturday, February 17th.

FBA Season - Welcome to the FBA Spring season! Over the next few weeks, there will be different FBA events taking place.  These events are Solo & Ensemble MPA this Saturday, Jazz MPA on the 16th at PSC, and Concert MPA on the 8th of March at FWBHS.  We will have itineraries ready for each as we receive the schedules.  These dates are the most important dates for the spring semester for winds and percussion and jazz. All of these performances are FREE and we encourage audience attendance and support to each.

FBA Solo & Ensemble - This will be at Escambia HS on Saturday.  All participating students, please check the posted schedule and make sure you have ORIGINALS TO ALL MUSIC WITH NUMBERED MEASURES.  Ms. Julia will be in each day this week to practice with soloists.  I will also be handing out information for each of you. 

FBA Jazz MPA - This will take place next Friday, February 16th at the auditorium at Pensacola State College.  Our performance is at 6:15pm.  We will bus over there at to watch and support the other school performances.  After all performances are done, we will enjoy our traditional meal at Steak N Shake :-) We should be back at MHS around 9pmish.

Mock MPA/Preview Concert - We will be hosting a this concert on Friday, February 23rd in the auditorium.  This is a free concert open to the public.  So far, Gulf Breeze HS will perform along with MHS Concert and Symphonic bands.  We will have a couple guest directors giving each band feedback as well.  Please make plans to join us that night.  The performances will begin at 6pm.

Spring Semester Sports Pep Rally - This Friday, there will be a pep rally for all Winter and Spring sports.  The Marching Band will be involved with this.

Band Trip Meetings - This Thursday and Friday, we will have two different meetings.  On Thursday, we will meet with all adult participants on the trip at 6:30pm in room 131.  On Friday, we will meet with all student participants at 4pm in the band room.  Both of these meetings are required.  We will be going over all of the details of the trip as well as giving out important paper work and instructions.  

New Assistant Band Director - This Week, we will be welcoming our new Assistant Band Director Mr. Bryce Coots.  Mr. Coots is joining us from Escambia HS and Roulhac Middle School. He is a graduate of FSU and Tate High School.  Students will get to meet and greet with him all day on Monday.  Parents are welcome to introduce yourself after school.  More info to come.  

That is all for now.  I hope you have a wonderful week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students according to Charms:
Eli Stokes - Wednesday
Ava Davidson - Thursday
Gianna Elicier-Rivera - Thursday
Kayleigh Barnes - Saturday
Anasia Lintz - Saturday

This Week:
Tuesday
3:45-5pm - Concert Brass Sectional
4pm-6pm - Symphonic Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal

Thursday
IP Payment 3 Due ($100)
3:45-5pm - Symphonic Woodwind Sectional
4pm-6pm - Concert Band Rehearsal
6pm-9pm - Winterguard Rehearsal
6:30-8:30 - IP Rehearsal
6pm - Chaperon Trip Meeting

Friday
Pep Rally
- Wear Summer Uniform
- 1:40 - Students dismissed to band room
- 2:40-3:24 - Pep Rally
4pm - Student Trip Meeting

Saturday
FBA Solo & Ensemble @ Escambia High School

Looking Ahead to Next Week:
Mon - IP Rehearsal
Tues - Concert Woodwind Sectional, Symphonic Band Sectional, Winterguard Rehearsal, MHSBPA Monthly Meeting
Thurs - Symphonic Brass Sectional, Concert Band Rehearsal, Winterguard Rehearsal, IP Rehearsal
Fri - FBA Jazz MPA
Sat - Pace Indoor Competition

Together We Are THE MIGHTY BLACK & GOLD!!!