|
Post by sethb811 on Jan 29, 2020 15:42:41 GMT -6
I'm almost positive Jon did 2016 too. Maybe I'm wrong.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 29, 2020 15:50:22 GMT -6
I'm almost positive Jon did 2016 too. Maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure you are right! I just was not aware.
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 29, 2020 17:30:32 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 30, 2020 10:45:15 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence. I am right there with you. I was hoping for someone other than Jon Bay (nothing against him personally). I think that it is safe to say that he hasn't had a whole lot of success in the BOA circuit. What other groups does he design for that can be considered competitive in the BOA/ISSMA circuits? Carroll, IN? I guess I was hoping for a bold move. The reduction in rehearsal time doesn't bother me as much. More time doesn't equate to better results. Being familiar with the practice schedule (as I know you are also), I definitely think there was room for improvement. As long as the other practices remain productive (which I know they will become more productive than before), I don't see it being a negative. If anything it will encourage member retention and recruiting efforts. Band camp is being split. While it is still "3 weeks", it is no longer 3 consecutive weeks. Instead it will now be a week dedicated to the fundamentals in June (replacing optionals that have historically not been well attended) and 2 weeks of typical band camp in July. Don't be surprised if you see them roll out the show similar to how the other Class A/top BOA bands do from here on out. Slowly adding pieces to the show instead of putting the whole show out in 3 weeks (bare boned) and adding the content as the season progresses. Also, don't be surprised if you see Homestead move more into the DCI uniform styling this upcoming season. It is something that I don't currently have any info about other than a gut feeling, but I think it is coming. Bryen wants to move the band into the future, and modern uniform styling is a no brainer! Prepare yourself OldSchoolTrumpet
|
|
|
Post by thewho on Jan 30, 2020 11:12:25 GMT -6
I would not say Jon Bay is the reason why Homestead struggled in 2016 and 2017. For however uncomfortable change is, Bay is the best choice for some semblance of continuity from Hardieck. The difference in Homestead's style and many visual designers today are very, very stark and I don't know if Homestead can handle the change in style. I'm not saying they can't, just it's hars to justify change in 25+-year proven formula.
I believe he can do well this season. Maybe up to the difficulty a bit more, because clearly the kids last year handled it well.
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 30, 2020 11:37:42 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence. I am right there with you. I was hoping for someone other than Jon Bay (nothing against him personally). I think that it is safe to say that he hasn't had a whole lot of success in the BOA circuit. What other groups does he design for that can be considered competitive in the BOA/ISSMA circuits? Carroll, IN? I guess I was hoping for a bold move. The reduction in rehearsal time doesn't bother me as much. More time doesn't equate to better results. Being familiar with the practice schedule (as I know you are also), I definitely think there was room for improvement. As long as the other practices remain productive (which I know they will become more productive than before), I don't see it being a negative. If anything it will encourage member retention and recruiting efforts. Band camp is being split. While it is still "3 weeks", it is no longer 3 consecutive weeks. Instead it will now be a week dedicated to the fundamentals in June (replacing optionals that have historically not been well attended) and 2 weeks of typical band camp in July. Don't be surprised if you see them roll out the show similar to how the other Class A/top BOA bands do from here on out. Slowly adding pieces to the show instead of putting the whole show out in 3 weeks (bare boned) and adding the content as the season progresses. Also, don't be surprised if you see Homestead move more into the DCI uniform styling this upcoming season. It is something that I don't currently have any info about other than a gut feeling, but I think it is coming. Bryen wants to move the band into the future, and modern uniform styling is a no brainer! Prepare yourself OldSchoolTrumpet I'm assuming that Warfield is still involved with the Bluecoats. I wonder if the band camp structure is being changed to accommodate his schedule requirements there. That is, he needs to be with the corps as finals approaches, thus the early and split band camp. Just speculation. I dunno. I hope he has some big things planned, but the only thing worse than More of the Same, is Less of the Same. Jon Bay seem a good start on the latter.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 30, 2020 11:46:42 GMT -6
I am right there with you. I was hoping for someone other than Jon Bay (nothing against him personally). I think that it is safe to say that he hasn't had a whole lot of success in the BOA circuit. What other groups does he design for that can be considered competitive in the BOA/ISSMA circuits? Carroll, IN? I guess I was hoping for a bold move. The reduction in rehearsal time doesn't bother me as much. More time doesn't equate to better results. Being familiar with the practice schedule (as I know you are also), I definitely think there was room for improvement. As long as the other practices remain productive (which I know they will become more productive than before), I don't see it being a negative. If anything it will encourage member retention and recruiting efforts. Band camp is being split. While it is still "3 weeks", it is no longer 3 consecutive weeks. Instead it will now be a week dedicated to the fundamentals in June (replacing optionals that have historically not been well attended) and 2 weeks of typical band camp in July. Don't be surprised if you see them roll out the show similar to how the other Class A/top BOA bands do from here on out. Slowly adding pieces to the show instead of putting the whole show out in 3 weeks (bare boned) and adding the content as the season progresses. Also, don't be surprised if you see Homestead move more into the DCI uniform styling this upcoming season. It is something that I don't currently have any info about other than a gut feeling, but I think it is coming. Bryen wants to move the band into the future, and modern uniform styling is a no brainer! Prepare yourself OldSchoolTrumpet I'm assuming that Warfield is still involved with the Bluecoats. I wonder if the band camp structure is being changed to accommodate his schedule requirements there. That is, he needs to be with the corps as finals approaches, thus the early and split band camp. Just speculation. I dunno. I hope he has some big things planned, but the only thing worse than More of the Same, is Less of the Same. Jon Bay seem a good start on the latter. I would say that is a safe assumption. Combined that with him wanting to pull in more staff connected to DCI and suddenly that last week of Band camp became problematic. I will try to reserve my judgment on the Jon Bay pick until I start seeing show design. I just need you to be prepared for me being your cheerleader this upcoming season. I will help you see the positives though the "negatives"
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 30, 2020 12:06:23 GMT -6
I just need you to be prepared for me being your cheerleader this upcoming season. I will help you see the positives though the "negatives" To be fair, I often announce that I'm stepping onto the ledge as an invitation for someone to talk me off of it. Per your earlier suggestion that we could see some uniform upgrades (I understand that this is merely speculation) I'd be all for that. Homestead is looking a bit on the aged side. But...Mr. Warfield should remember that few High School kids look good in spandex.
|
|
|
Post by paddy on Jan 30, 2020 12:17:34 GMT -6
I am right there with you. I was hoping for someone other than Jon Bay (nothing against him personally). I think that it is safe to say that he hasn't had a whole lot of success in the BOA circuit. What other groups does he design for that can be considered competitive in the BOA/ISSMA circuits? Carroll, IN? I guess I was hoping for a bold move. The reduction in rehearsal time doesn't bother me as much. More time doesn't equate to better results. Being familiar with the practice schedule (as I know you are also), I definitely think there was room for improvement. As long as the other practices remain productive (which I know they will become more productive than before), I don't see it being a negative. If anything it will encourage member retention and recruiting efforts. Band camp is being split. While it is still "3 weeks", it is no longer 3 consecutive weeks. Instead it will now be a week dedicated to the fundamentals in June (replacing optionals that have historically not been well attended) and 2 weeks of typical band camp in July. Don't be surprised if you see them roll out the show similar to how the other Class A/top BOA bands do from here on out. Slowly adding pieces to the show instead of putting the whole show out in 3 weeks (bare boned) and adding the content as the season progresses. Also, don't be surprised if you see Homestead move more into the DCI uniform styling this upcoming season. It is something that I don't currently have any info about other than a gut feeling, but I think it is coming. Bryen wants to move the band into the future, and modern uniform styling is a no brainer! Prepare yourself OldSchoolTrumpet I'm assuming that Warfield is still involved with the Bluecoats. I wonder if the band camp structure is being changed to accommodate his schedule requirements there. That is, he needs to be with the corps as finals approaches, thus the early and split band camp. Just speculation. I dunno. I hope he has some big things planned, but the only thing worse than More of the Same, is Less of the Same. Jon Bay seem a good start on the latter. If I was Homestead administration and parents, I would have serious issues if he stayed super involved in DCI as the head director.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 30, 2020 12:26:40 GMT -6
I'm assuming that Warfield is still involved with the Bluecoats. I wonder if the band camp structure is being changed to accommodate his schedule requirements there. That is, he needs to be with the corps as finals approaches, thus the early and split band camp. Just speculation. I dunno. I hope he has some big things planned, but the only thing worse than More of the Same, is Less of the Same. Jon Bay seem a good start on the latter. If I was Homestead administration and parents, I would have serious issues if he stayed super involved in DCI as the head director. Is he involved? Yes. Super involved to the point where Homestead is neglected? No. Not even close! His priorities are fully invested in Homestead. You can be involved with both successfully. Matt Harloff is a perfect example of this. No need for the parents or administration to have serious issues. If anything his involvement in DCI is a huge connection for the program.
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 30, 2020 12:31:07 GMT -6
I'm assuming that Warfield is still involved with the Bluecoats. I wonder if the band camp structure is being changed to accommodate his schedule requirements there. That is, he needs to be with the corps as finals approaches, thus the early and split band camp. Just speculation. I dunno. I hope he has some big things planned, but the only thing worse than More of the Same, is Less of the Same. Jon Bay seem a good start on the latter. If I was Homestead administration and parents, I would have serious issues if he stayed super involved in DCI as the head director. Well, that was simply conjecture on my part, so let's not assume that this is the reason for the schedule changes. And even if it is, it could also have been negotiated up front during the hiring process if he had pre-existing obligations this season. In the long run I'd agree with you that I'd not want to think that any school's program would take a back seat to a director's DCI pursuits. But until that happens I'm assuming that it isn't the case.
|
|
|
Post by paddy on Jan 30, 2020 13:15:38 GMT -6
If I was Homestead administration and parents, I would have serious issues if he stayed super involved in DCI as the head director. Is he involved? Yes. Super involved to the point where Homestead is neglected? No. Not even close! His priorities are fully invested in Homestead. You can be involved with both successfully. Matt Harloff is a perfect example of this. No need for the parents or administration to have serious issues. If anything his involvement in DCI is a huge connection for the program. Hence the reason I started the statement with "if". Also, last I checked Harloff is not the head director, which does not qualify him as a valid comparison when I clearly said "as the head director". Seeing as I am close to a program where 2 of the 3 main assistants and multiple techs are involved in DCI, I have a bit of understanding about the value of some DCI involvement. They operate on a bit of a skeleton staff during Championship week due to folks heading to Indy, but the head director is always there.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 30, 2020 13:20:07 GMT -6
Is he involved? Yes. Super involved to the point where Homestead is neglected? No. Not even close! His priorities are fully invested in Homestead. You can be involved with both successfully. Matt Harloff is a perfect example of this. No need for the parents or administration to have serious issues. If anything his involvement in DCI is a huge connection for the program. Hence the reason I started the statement with "if". Also, last I checked Harloff is not the head director, which does not qualify him as a valid comparison when I clearly said "as the head director". Seeing as I am close to a program where 2 of the 3 main assistants and multiple techs are involved in DCI, I have a bit of understanding about the value of some DCI involvement. You are correct. Matt does not hold the title of head director at Avon. From my position, knowing the workings of both programs, it is a valid comparison.
|
|
|
Post by quadsquadmama on Jan 30, 2020 15:19:07 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence. Just wanted to clarify the band camp schedule change as I was told. The school district is starting earlier to accommodate a "Fall Break" and that is why the band had to adjust their schedule to 2 weeks in July and the mandatory 1 week of fundamentals in June. Yes, they are cutting the 2 hours of Monday practice but they are adding an extra half hour on the Tuesday-Friday schedule. I believe this was to also alleviate the late season illnesses among the students and give them time to rest on Mondays; especially if they have had a long competition weekend.
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Jan 30, 2020 15:21:05 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence. Just wanted to clarify the band camp schedule change as I was told. The school district is starting earlier to accommodate a "Fall Break" and that is why the band had to adjust their schedule to 2 weeks in July and the mandatory 1 week of fundamentals in June. Yes, they are cutting the 2 hours of Monday practice but they are adding an extra half hour on the Tuesday-Friday schedule. I believe this was to also alleviate the late season illnesses among the students and give them time to rest on Mondays; especially if they have had a long competition weekend. Thanks for that clarification. Good info.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Jan 30, 2020 15:29:05 GMT -6
I’m finding it difficult to get excited about shortening band camp and a 20% reduction in weekly rehearsal time. And Jon Bay isn’t a step forward either. So far I’m not feeling the confidence. Just wanted to clarify the band camp schedule change as I was told. The school district is starting earlier to accommodate a "Fall Break" and that is why the band had to adjust their schedule to 2 weeks in July and the mandatory 1 week of fundamentals in June. Yes, they are cutting the 2 hours of Monday practice but they are adding an extra half hour on the Tuesday-Friday schedule. I believe this was to also alleviate the late season illnesses among the students and give them time to rest on Mondays; especially if they have had a long competition weekend. Great info!
|
|
|
Post by Marching Observer on Feb 1, 2020 10:43:20 GMT -6
Let me go ahead and put in my two cents as an alumni. I think the promotion is great for the program. It keeps a level of consistency especially since the support for him is already there and he is familiar with the program. You could definitely see and improvement in the musicality that the band is able to produce over the past few years. And I expect that to continue to grow. Especially since he is placing an emphasis on improving the winter programs including concert band. This will only translate into better musicianship on the field as well. That is the thing that is really going to be needed to be emphasized if they are going to try and keep up with the curve in BOA especially since we all know Texas groups play amazing. I think keeping Jon Bay as the visual designer is a good choice as well. I enjoyed both shows that he did for Homestead and continue to believe that visual is Homestead's biggest strength. If you go back and look at some of the years, they were right there on the bubble of the top six in Grand national finals and if there wasn't the top half bottom half divide, then it is certainly possible that they would have even broken that barrier. At least visually. Overall I am excited for the changes. It would be a life I said that I wasn't slightly anxious. Any director changes going to do that especially for such a storied program such as Homestead. But even if they do have a "down" here then I fully expect them to be able to bounce back. As always, is it fall yet?!
|
|
|
Post by rabb2t on Feb 2, 2020 10:25:54 GMT -6
Homestead's obviously going to have a transition year with the new staff changes, but I'm 99.9% sure that this change will attribute to future success, even in the next year. They've already got the formula down for consistency, and their show designs show excellency. I feel that even if they're changing the way they build the show, nothing's going to change result-wise. There might be a hiccup at the beginning of the year to get used to everything changing, but by the end, I'm sure that Homestead can find itself even better than the years prior. All that's left for them now is a waiting game until we get into the heart of the 2020 season.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Feb 15, 2020 12:25:57 GMT -6
No update about the Assistant Director position as of yet.... but don't be surprised if you hear something within the month! This is more of an update about Homestead High School in general and the potential loss of them hosting their ISSMA event and home show in the coming years. For those that don't know, this summer Homestead High School will begin construction on their massive school remodel which is estimated to last 3-4 years. In the end Homestead will essentially be a brand new high school. Over half of the current high school will be demolished, including their Freshman Academy, with new state of the art wings being added. Some highlights of the "new" high school include: -More than 384,000 sf of total new construction -More than 333,000 square feet of renovated space -Classroom clusters indicative of a 21st century learning environment -Collaborative work spaces -New auditorium -New music and performing arts spaces -Competition gym -Indoor PE and running track -Relocation of CMT, Impact, and Health Clinic For the music programs at HHS, this will be huge. Their current spaces are lacking compared to other top schools / programs in the state and nation. Bringing them into the 21st century will be a huge opportunity. As for their upcoming home shows, the 2020 season will be unaffected. Their ISSMA hosing duties and Fall Festival of Bands show will carry on as normal BUT beyond the 2020 season, I would not be surprised if we see an ISSMA site change and the cancelation of their home show. If you are familiar with the "flow" of these shows, Homestead is set up pretty well to accommodate a large amount of groups at these shows. The flow around the building and to the stadium also works out very well. Unfortunately, during and after construction, this flow will drastically change and will not be conducive to hosting major shows. You can view the current construction renderings for the "new" school here: homestead.sacs.k12.in.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_76223/File/Construction/12.18.19%20Layout%20Update.pdfYou can follow along and learn more about the full project here: homestead.sacs.k12.in.us/about_us/construction/progressThere is a lot of change happening in SW Fort Wayne and it is an exciting time for the community!
|
|
|
Post by Allohak on Feb 15, 2020 14:35:55 GMT -6
Hosting 2 competitions each season likely brings in quite a bit of $$$ for the Homestead program. Losing either or both could leave a negative impact on what Homestead is able to produce over time.
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 15, 2020 16:29:47 GMT -6
Hosting 2 competitions each season likely brings in quite a bit of $$$ for the Homestead program. Losing either or both could leave a negative impact on what Homestead is able to produce over time. Homestead is a program with freakishly low band fees...like $250 or something like that. They make up for it with fund raising and events, all of which require immense supporter and parental participation, which can be quickly lost. This is a treacherous time for them. I truly hope it works out, but I admit that I'm a little concerned.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Feb 15, 2020 18:12:47 GMT -6
I should state that this is all speculation on my part. After reviewing the proposed plans to the school, the current flow for their home shows came to mind and made me speculate that change could be near. Of course nothing is official.
|
|
|
Post by angelee on Feb 15, 2020 20:15:09 GMT -6
As someone who works for the high school, the new traffic patterns and parking will begin at the start of the school year 2020. We likely won’t actually begin the work until October from what the staff was told Friday at our inservice. The first phase of the process will take out the student parking lot between the current school and the band field. We do have lots at the south end of the football stadium, across the street at the middle school, and the freshman academy/ bus lot side on Aboite Center Road. I’m not sure anyone was willing to say this year would be an issue, but it certainly could be as the years progress. Our baseball team will have to relocate its games for a few years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the band having to either not run those contests or maybe share a site? Any plans at this point can change in a heartbeat from what we are told. At this point the traffic flow is the first to change to get kids parking away from the building. This will be interesting! Also, if I remember right, I think fees were $400 or so this year. No complaints on my end! My senior is on his way out and I have a freshman going in who won’t see the school completed in his tenure at HHS 😱
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 16, 2020 9:43:48 GMT -6
As someone who works for the high school, the new traffic patterns and parking will begin at the start of the school year 2020. We likely won’t actually begin the work until October from what the staff was told Friday at our inservice. The first phase of the process will take out the student parking lot between the current school and the band field. We do have lots at the south end of the football stadium, across the street at the middle school, and the freshman academy/ bus lot side on Aboite Center Road. I’m not sure anyone was willing to say this year would be an issue, but it certainly could be as the years progress. Our baseball team will have to relocate its games for a few years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the band having to either not run those contests or maybe share a site? Any plans at this point can change in a heartbeat from what we are told. At this point the traffic flow is the first to change to get kids parking away from the building. This will be interesting! Also, if I remember right, I think fees were $400 or so this year. No complaints on my end! My senior is on his way out and I have a freshman going in who won’t see the school completed in his tenure at HHS 😱 The band website has the band's schedule (October on, not September yet) and it does show the home show and ISSMA competition for October, so it would seem that the are still planning those for 2020.
|
|
|
Post by Marching Observer on Feb 18, 2020 17:47:19 GMT -6
I wouldn't be surprised at all if Homestead does a co-hosting show because they have always been able to bring in a lot of area and beyond bands and it would be a blow to the area to lose this show. However, only two sites seem to make sense to try to do it with.
Bishop Dwenger just got some really nice home stands and it's a turf field but I have to cross this off the list because parking would be a logistical nightmare. No room.
Carroll would be my only other one that makes sense as I've heard they have/are updating their stadium to be turf and I believe expanded stands. If this has been done yet I'm not sure. Plus I'm not familiar with the parking situation there.
None of the FWCS I think are that appealing. Aging stadiums that I don't think could quite fit the number of bands. Plus, all grass fields (though I think I heard Northrop was getting turf?).
Maybe if they could hold it at St. Francis as that has done some DCI open class shows. But not sure scheduling could work for that.
Quite honestly, the next big nice stadium I could see that could fill this slot is Warsaw but I don't know if they have turf or parking situation. But I've driven by the stadium a few times to know it's nice. But they've also not hosted a contest before either so not sure they could suddenly start one. It'll be interesting to see how the contest landscape shifts cause of this the next few years.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Feb 21, 2020 22:03:58 GMT -6
Just received word that Homestead has officially made a decision on their director opening. Those familiar with Fort Wayne marching will probably recognize his name (idk if that is good or bad). If you were hoping for an out of state or Indy candidate, you are out of luck. Once an official announcement is made by the program, I will pass along the info. ( OldSchoolTrumpet DM me )
|
|
|
Post by OldSchoolTrumpet on Feb 22, 2020 7:51:09 GMT -6
And I thought that Seth was done with band.
EDIT: And by the way, his incessant yapping about how Stormy Kromer hats are woefully underappreciated and underepresented on the marching field gives me ZERO confidence that Seth will bring a positive design influence to the Spartan Alliance. My opinion only, of course.
|
|
|
Post by TeamIndiana on Feb 22, 2020 8:00:33 GMT -6
And I thought that Seth was done with band. I mean they both have Northrop connections 😂
|
|
|
Post by quadsquadmama on Feb 24, 2020 12:40:12 GMT -6
And I thought that Seth was done with band. I mean they both have Northrop connections 😂 The formal email announcement was sent at noon today to all band families.
|
|
|
Post by angelee on Feb 24, 2020 14:25:24 GMT -6
I mean they both have Northrop connections 😂 The formal email announcement was sent at noon today to all band families. It was?!? I didn’t get one 😭
|
|