Monday, July 20, 2015

Mashpee Music Students and Parents

Dear Mashpee Middle-High School students and parents:

Hello, I hope you all are having a wonderful summer.  I wanted to send you a message to let you all know that I have accepted a choral position at Foxborough High School which is closer to where I live and regret to inform you all that I will not be returning to Mashpee in the fall.

I will absolutely miss each and every one of you.  It was a real pleasure working you, and I will truly treasure the moments that we had together making music.  All the wonderful students and faculty made Mashpee a special place to work.  I am very thankful to have had this opportunity!

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making great music. I am very confident that a successful teacher will be chosen to replace me, and you will be in good hands going forward.  I will notify the new teacher about the audition material that I posted, however it will be up to him or her as far as auditions are concerned so stay tuned for any updates.  Please continue to be involved in the music program and audition for festivals!   If there is anything I can do to help you succeed in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me at my personal email: braymond146@gmail.com

You have been a wonderful group of students to work with, and I wish you all the best!!

Brian Raymond

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

End Of The Year Updates!

Summer vacation is finally upon us!  It has been a great school year filled with many memorable performances and great accomplishments.  As we begin to look ahead to the 2015-2016 school year, I invite you to please keep checking in to the website for updates throughout the summer.

STUDENTS: Please check your schedules and make sure you have chorus listed.  If you do not have chorus on your schedule, please email/speak with Mrs. Farrell: pfarrell@mashpee.k12.ma.us

- All rising 7th graders (including those in band and/or strings should take Period 5: MS Chorus
- All rising 8th grade singers should take Period 2: Concert Choir
- All rising 9th grade singers (who are not in Strings) should take Period 2: Concert Choir
-  Rising grade 8-12 singers who are taking Strings should take Period 6: Chamber Choir (you will switch off each day from strings to chamber choir)
- Rising grade 10-12 singers should take Period 6: Chamber Choir (unless you can't fit it, then take Concert Choir)

Some of the many updates that will come over summer break include:

-  The 2015-2016 Calendar has been (and will continue to be) updated.  Please click the Calendar tab to preview the upcoming dates of performances and festivals for next year. 

-  The audition music for the honors festivals, Junior Districts (grades 7-9) and All-Cape/Senior District (grades 9-12) is now posted outside the Chorus room!  Please make sure you take a copy before you leave for break -- and practice over the summer!!  All festival recordings and audition information can be found on the website: www.semmea.org (find the tabs for the festival that pertains to you)  Remember, All-Cape uses the same audition song as Senior Districts)  Audition signup lists will be posted at the start of the school year - anyone is welcome to audition!

-  Detailed Audition information for the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Junior Select Choir will be posted in August, Audition music for Vocal Jazz is now posted outside the chorus room on the bulletin board, and may be picked up anytime this summer.  The link for the recording of the vocal jazz audition song can be found by clicking here: "I Can't Make You Love Me by Kerry Marsh"  (the audition excerpt is from 2:42-3:50, you will sing your voice part) Audition signup lists will be posted at the start of the school year.

-  New Curriculum information will be posted on the Choir pages on this website around late July/early August.  An even more structure chorus curriculum plan with units and lessons is being constructed and will be posted as soon as it is complete.  This will include detailed Syllabi for all fall courses which will be posted on this site.

-  As repertoire is chosen, I will do my best to post links to audio/video clips so you can familiarize yourself with the music prior to the school year

If you ever have any questions, especially related to Scheduling or Auditions for the fall, please feel free to email me at: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

Thank You and Check Back Often for Updates!
On behalf of the entire Mashpee Music Department, have a wonderful Summer Vacation!

-Mr. Raymond

Friday, June 19, 2015

Middle School Music

Congratulations Middle School Student Singers and Musicians on a fantastic spring concert!

I want to congratulate the following vocal award winners from the Middle School for the 2014-2015 school year!


Middle School Singer Of The Year: Emily Robbins 
Middle School Chorus MVP: Haley Welch
Select Chorus MVP: Alison Landry
Achievement Award: Hannah Shields 
Achievement Award: Tahj Bohun 
Spirit Award: Kaylee McCarthy
Most Helpful Award: Natalia Rimple (7th)
Most Helpful Award: Krista Signs (8th)
Most Improved: Megan Pons (7th)
Most Improved: Angela Hanscom (8th)


Congratulations on a wonderful year! 

Thursday, June 18, 2015

MMS Spring Concert Tonight!

Quick Reminder!!! Spring Concert for Middle School is TONIGHT!

Call time for all singers is 6:15pm.  Please be in the chorus room, dressed and ready.  We will warmup at approximately 6:30pm and the concert will begin with Chorus (followed by Select Chorus, Strings, then Band) at 7:00pm in the auditorium!

Admission is FREE and all parents, friends, and family are welcome! 

DRESS CODE:
GIRLS: Dresses or dress pants with a formal top.  Any dresses that go above the knees, girls will need to wear tights.  Please wear flats or dress shoes - avoid high heels.

BOYS:  Black Dress Pants with a Dress shirt and Tie...Black Shoes and Black Socks

If anyone needs dress clothes, please see me - we have some dress clothes available at the school that you may borrow for the concert.

Email me ASAP with any questions: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

Remember: Attendance will be taken tonight.  Any student who cannot attend the concert due to an extreme circumstance must bring in a signed note or an email from a parent/guardian explaining the situation -- otherwise you will not get credit for the Concert Performance

Monday, June 15, 2015

Updates for the 2015-2016 School Year

I am in the process of updating all the information in the tabs above for the 2015-2016 school year!  Please continue to check these tabs for information related to 2015-2016 Calendar dates, Fall auditions, and honors festivals!  As always, please contact me directly with any questions: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

Thank you -- Mr. Raymond

MMS Spring Concert

 
2015 MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT

It's hard to believe, but the final performance of the year for the Mashpee Music Department is upon us!

This Thursday, June 18th, we will have our annual Middle School Spring Concert!

This concert will feature performances from Middle School Chorus, Select Chorus, Middle School Strings, and Middle School Band!

Call time for all singers is 6:15pm.  Please be in the chorus room, dressed and ready.  We will warmup at approximately 6:30pm and the concert will begin with Chorus (followed by Select Chorus, Strings, then Band) at 7:00pm in the auditorium!

Admission is FREE and all parents, friends, and family are welcome! 

DRESS CODE:
GIRLS: Dresses or dress pants with a formal top.  Any dresses that go above the knees, girls will need to wear tights.  Please wear flats or dress shoes - avoid high heels.

BOYS:  Black Dress Pants with a Dress shirt and Tie...Black Shoes and Black Socks

If anyone needs dress clothes, please see me - we have some dress clothes available at the school that you may borrow for the concert.


Monday, June 1, 2015

Important Updates!! June 1-June 6

Mashpee High School Choir Singers:

We have a very busy week ahead!  First off, congratulations to MHS Vocal Jazz on a fantastic performance at Southport Friday!

First up: WEDNESDAY June 3rd:  All Concert and Chamber Choir Singers
School Committee Meeting Performance: 6pm@Quashnet Library
Seniors: If you are available PLEASE stop by and sing
Dress Nice--Guys wear ties
Singing National Anthem and If Music Be The Food of Love right at the beginning of the meeting then you're free to go

Second: For Seniors: Graduation/Class Day Rehearsal Practice Thursday 1:00-1:45pm during chamber choir period!

Third: CLASS DAY: Friday June 5: Approximately 12:30
Singing the National Anthem and Seasons of Love right in the beginning (non-seniors just dress nice)

Fourth: GRADUATION: Saturday June 6: Time TBA
Singing the National Anthem and Only Time (non-seniors dress nice)

Looking forward to some great performances in this final week for seniors!

--Mr. Raymond


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Southport Night! May 29th

Vocal Jazz Singers!!

One of the most important performances of the entire year is coming up this Friday May 29!!  This will be the final performance of the year for the Vocal Jazz Ensemble!  It is the 2015 Southport "Pastabilities" Night.

This is a very important performance because it is for the residents of Southport and administration who have supported the music program and have given much towards scholarships and the school district.

Important Notes:
- Please arrive at Southport between 7:00-7:30pm (No later than 7:30pm, please do not be late!)
- All Black for girls...Black pants/dress shirt/tie for boys--black shoes black socks
- Our program order will be: I Could Write A Book, Body And Soul, Up From New Orleans, Streets
- Same solos as the spring concert (Jeff Demanche will take a guitar solo on streets)

Any questions or last minute concerns, please email me ASAP: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

I expect to see everyone there for a fun night of music---there will be treats for you guys back in the warmup room (like last year!)

See you there! - Mr. Raymond

(Please keep your eyes posted for upcoming information regarding June 3rd School Board Meeting Performance, Class Day, Graduation, and the Middle School Spring Concert)



 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

MHS Spring Concert!

Congratulations to all performers on a fantastic Spring Concert!  We received high praise from administration.  I personally received a letter from Principal Gilrein who expressed his tremendous excitement for the music we are creating -- he was thrilled with the performance.  I am very proud of all of you and the tremendous work we put in this year.

Thank you to all the parents and families members who came out to the concert and for all those who continue to support the students and the music program!  This would not be possible without you!

Just a quick reminder:  Mashpee Middle School Spring Concert: Wednesday June 10th!

It is an honor to announce this year's award recipients:


2015 Directors Choice Award: James Boyd  
(will be added to the Hall of Fame Page soon!)

MVP Awards:
-         Concert Choir: Remi Shea
-         Chamber Choir: Stephen Ross
-         Vocal Jazz: Maria Costa

Most Improved Awards:
-         Concert Choir: Ambrosia Ward
-         Chamber Choir: Eliana Falleur


Mashpee Choir Hall of Fame Class of 2015 
(will be added to the Hall of Fame Page soon!):
-         Maria Costa
-         Ashley Welch
-         Elaina Lavigne
-         Stephen Ross
-         Sierra Donovan
-         Miranda Martone
-         James Boyd

Thursday, April 30, 2015

May Updates!

Students and Parents:

It's hard to believe the end of the year is rapidly approaching!  There are many exciting performances coming up to be aware of.  I also want to make sure to keep you updated as we approach graduation and eventually summer vacation.

UPCOMING CONCERTS
May 4: Chamber Choir performs at the Town Meeting
May 19: MHS Spring Concert (High School Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz)
May 29: Southport Night (High School Vocal Jazz)
June 6: Graduation
 June 11: MMS Spring Concert (Middle School Chorus, Select Chorus)

Final Spring Coffeehouse Grades 7-11: JUNE TBA

More updates regarding spring concerts will be posted as we get closer to each date.  Looking forward to some great final performances!

-Mr. Raymond

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Junior Districts 2015

Students and Parents:

This Friday and Saturday (March 6-7) is the 2015 Junior District Music Festival!

A Full detailed scheduled can be found by clicking this link:  COMPLETE SCHEDULE

All students need signed permission slips on Friday morning!

Students will leave for Attleboro High School Friday morning and will return to Mashpee High School at 5:00pm.  Parents will need to pick up their child at MHS at 5:00pm.

On Saturday, Students need to meet at the school at 7:15am.  They will take the bus to Attleboro HS.  IMPORTANT: Parents need to pick up their student from Attleboro High School after the concert!

Saturday Chorus Concert: 1:00-2:00pm

Saturday Band/Orchestra Concert: 3:00-4:00pm

If anyone has a problem - please email me immediately: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us


Lunches both days are provided!
Don't forget: permission slip, music, water, concert clothes Saturday,

Money for snacks/T-shirt is optional

Looking forward to a great festival!
Mr. Raymond

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

All-Cape Music Festival

Parents and Students:

The 2015 All-Cape Music Festival is taking place Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week at Monomoy Regional High School in Harwich.  This should be a fantastic experience to make high quality music with a renowned guest conductor!  I want to take a moment to pass along all the pertinent information.

-- The festival is not providing meals.  Students need to pack a meal for dinner Thursday, and lunch on BOTH Friday and Saturday. 

-- Concert Dress: Black on Bottom, White on Top, Black Shoes (Boys: No Bow ties or sneakers...Girls: no sneakers, no ugg boots, no yoga pants or black leggings as concert attire)

If there are any changes due to weather, I will post updates/changes here!  If there are no updates, assume the following times below are accurate!

THURSDAY: Students will be leaving right after school and rehearsing until approximately 7:30pm.  We will return to Mashpee as soon as rehearsals are over.

FRIDAY: We will be leaving at 9:00 am after the final morning mid-term.  Rehearsals will last throughout the day until 3:00pm.

SATURDAY:  We will be meeting up at the school at 7:00am.  Parents will need to pickup students after the Saturday concert.  The concert times are as follows: CHOIR: 1:00pm,   BAND/STRINGS: 3:00pm


Any questions/comments please email me: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Berklee Decision

Students and Parents:

After discussions with Mr. Troyanos and the principal, we've unfortunately decided to cancel the trip to Berklee this year.  This decision is based on some concerns raised involving the safety of traveling Saturday morning along with the fact that school is canceled Friday.  It is unfortunate to miss the festival this year, but we will look into other potential festivals for the spring.  Thank you for your understanding.  Enjoy your long weekend and,  I will see you all on Monday.

-Mr. Raymond

Berklee Update

Students: as you know school is canceled for Friday.  Mr. Troyanos and I are currently in discussions about Berklee Saturday and whether or not we will be able to make the trip.  Please check back here later tonight for a final decision regarding Berklee.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

All-State Results

We had three very talented students audition for All-State last weekend: Stephen Ross, James Boyd, and Maria Costa.  All three did a fantastic job and should be very proud of the work they put in learning the music.  That being said, we had one student get accepted this year... 

Congratulations go to Stephen Ross for being accepted to the 2015 All-State Music Festival!


Just a reminder: Berklee High School Jazz Festival is this Saturday.  Stay tuned to the blog for details and updates later this week!

Stay safe with the blizzard -- we'll see you all later this week.   

--Mr. Raymond

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Winter Concert!

Vocal Music Students and Families:

It has been a very busy month of January -- and I am looking forward to an exciting stretch of music over the next few weeks!

This Thursday (Jan 22), we have our Vocal Music Winter Concert!!  This concert features all of our middle and high school vocal music ensembles and is completely free to the public.

CALL TIME: 6:15pm for all students
CONCERT STARTS: 7:00pm

All students must be present at the concert to get the grade points for their chorus classes.  Any student who cannot make it to the concert needs to bring me a signed note or email directly from a parent/guardian to braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

If a student must come later than the call time (because of sports for instance), they also must notify me!

DRESS CODE REMINDER:
High School: Classy All-Black Outfits, Boys=Dress Shirts and Ties with Black Pants and Shoes
Middle School: All-Black OR White on Top

Girls who wear dresses or skirts should wear black or silvery tights or leggings that are non-see through.  If your outfit has a subtle hint of color that is OK.  Dress shoes -- avoid Ugg Boots, Sneakers, White Socks, and Yoga Pants.

Looking forward to a great show!  Please contact me with any questions/concerns: braymond@mashpee.k12.ma.us

--Mr. Raymond