TWIB Notes: 1/13-1/19

Congratulations Saxophone Ensemble

The Allen Saxophone Ensemble was named the National Winner for the Medal of Distinction Chamber Winds Competition. They previously earned this recognition back in 2022. As Medal of Distinction winners, the Allen Saxophone Ensemble is eligible to perform at a Dallas Winds concert at the Meyerson Center. Congratulations to the Saxophone Ensemble and their director, Mr. Baczewski.

Area Auditions Postponed to Monday (1/13)

1/10 Update: Not all school districts in Area C will be allowed to travel on Saturday per superintendents’ directives. Area C Auditions are now on Monday, January 13th at Plano Senior High School, 2200 Independence Parkway, Plano, TX 75075. Students selected for All-State will have their ensemble recording audition on Tuesday, 1/14 in the AHS MPR beginning 8th period and will continue after school.

• Student Meeting in Cafeteria @ 4:45pm
• 6A Piccolo/ Flute- B222 (5:00/6:00)
• 6A Bb Clarinet- B230 (5:00)
• 6A Bass Clarinet – B217 (6:45)
• 6A Trumpet- B206 (5:00)
• 6A Tuba- D105 Ensemble (6:15)
• 6A Percussion- D125 Band (5:00)
• Contest Office – Library (2nd floor – Bldg C)
• ALL WARM-UP IN CAFETERIA

Tournament of Roses Registration

While the registration deadline has passed, you can still register for the trip. Complete the registration process with your paid deposit to ensure a spot in the trip. The absolute last day to register for the trip for winds and percussion students will be on the February 3rd Payment Date. If you register late, please keep in mind that the payment dates will not change and you will need to have the second payment of $300 on February 3rd. (If you decide to register for the trip on February 3rd, you would need to make a $600 payment - the $300 deposit and the $300 February 3rd payment).

This trip is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience; you don't want to miss out on this opportunity! If you have any questions, please connect with Dr. Obado at philip.obado@allenisd.org. Please note that the following monthly installment dates will note change. Scroll below for registration details!

Concert Tux Shirts

If you haven't purchased your concert shirt and tie for the tux uniform, they will be available for purchase one last time with a deadline of January 24. You can purchase at www.allenband.com/uniforms.

Spring Trip Payments Due - Monday, January 13

Due to school cancelations last week from weather, our Spring Trip Payment due date is being adjusted to Monday, January 13th. Please put payments in the AHS Band Safe or make a payment on SchoolPay.

Region 25 Clinic/Concert THIS WEEK

Students that earned a Region chair have their Clinic/Concert this Thursday, January 16 and Friday, January 17 at the Plano ISD Robinson Fine Arts Center or Plano Senior High School. You should have picked up your music from your director with all of the pertinent information. All Region students will be excused from classes on Friday. Dr.Obado will communicate lunch and transportation details to Region students on Monday, 1/13. If you are a Region student and still need music, please contact Dr. Obado. ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM REHEARSAL ON THURSDAY AND AFTER REHEARSAL ON FRIDAY.

Register for the 2026 Tournament of Roses (Student Trip):

1. Print, complete, and submit the Trip Agreement Form

1. AHS/LFC students should submit the form in the AHS Band Safe

2. 8th Grade students should submit to their band director (an AHS director will pick-up forms)

2. Complete the Information Form

3. Submit the $300 Non-Refundable Deposit through one of the following ways:

1. Pay on SchoolPay

2. Drop payment of in the AHS Band Office Safe

3. Mail payment to the following: Allen High School Band, 300 Rivercrest Blvd, Allen, TX 75002, attn: Susan Fulk

1. Make checks payable to: ALLEN ISD. All checks require a valid driver license number.

4. Optional Insurance (for student trip):

1. Families can choose any travel insurance you want

2. Perform America-Texas recommends the following third party insurance: CLICK HERE

3. CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) is only a viable option within 14 days of your initial deposit (Jan 7, 2025 is the deposit date).

Register for the 2026 Tournament of Roses Friends & Family (F&F) Trip

1. The itinerary and payments are set by Perform America-Texas.

2. F&F packages do not include airfare or airport transportation.

3. F&F packages include all of the same events as the student trip, but will stay at a different hotel.

4. F&F packages include grandstand seating.

5. Optional insurance is available - click the F&F Instruction & Registration link below.

6. CLICK HERE for the Friends & Family Information & Registration.

Other helpful links:

• Allen Band Tournament of Roses Website (everything you need to know about the trip - including how to purchase Escadrille Tournament of Roses Spiritwear)

• Kick-Off Meeting Video from 12/3/24

• Kick-Off Meeting Slides from 12/3/24

• Q&A Answers from 12/3/24 meeting

• Trip Agreement Form - this document has all of the financial and behavioral expectations for this trip including the cost and payment schedule. Students are required to print the document and submit it to your director (CMS, EMS, FMS students) or in the band safe at AHS (for LFC/AHS students).

• Information Form - this is an online document that will provide the necessary information we need to register students for flights, regulate dietary needs, and order shirts in your size.

• SchoolPay link to make Tournament of Roses payments online for the student trip

• Chaperone Interest Form - please see the selection process on the interest form.

The UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest will be held on Saturday, February 22 at Plano East Senior High School. Students wishing to participate in the contest should fill out this GOOGLE FORM and pay the entry fee ($15/solo or $15/member of an ensemble) to the safe outside Mrs. Fulk's office before the Friday, January 17 entry deadline. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. It is highly recommended that you contact an accompanist immediately if you plan to enter an accompanied solo at the contest. A list of piano accompanists for the contest may be found HERE, or you may contact another accompanist.

You must be logged into your Allen ISD account to access the accompanist list and Google form.

Auditions for placement in AHS band classes for the 2025-2026 school year will take place in January (Woodwinds: January 21-23 in band classes/Brass: January 28-30 in band classes). Class placement is for the entire school year. This will be the only placement audition, and students will not change band classes in the middle of the school year. The auditions will consist of two-octave major scales and a prepared etude.

CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 Information Sheet for instructions, required scale sheet, and the prepared audition etude. See poster below for Allen HS Jazz Ensemble Auditions.

2025 Winterguard Spirit Wear

2025 Winterguard spirit wear is now on sale! Deadline to purchase is January 17. Show support for colorguard as they great ready to compete in the 2025 Winterguard season. Purchase today at www.allenband.com/shop.

You can access all of the latest colorguard information, events, and communication here! Please see links below.

If you have any obligations from fees or past charges, please make those payments. Please note that if sales tax was not added to the fees, students have been charged the sales tax as an obligation. Students will not be able to participate in games if payments have not been made.

From the 2024-2025 Band Handbook:

"Students with outstanding balance for program fees will not be allowed to participate in program activities unless there is a payment plan in place with the program director. Lack of participation will lead to removal from the program at the beginning of the next grading period."

Payments can be submitted through the following ways:

• Drop a check or cash in the AHS Band safe. (Checks made payable to Allen ISD, driver's license # in the memo)
• Mail a payment to: Allen High School Band; 300 Rivercrest Blvd, Allen, TX 75002 (attn: Susan Fulk)
• Credit Card or Debit Card payment through SchoolPay - link below (a fee will be included in the final payment)

Tournament of Roses fundraising is well underway. 100% of the proceeds from fundraising will go to offset the cost of the trip for the band and colorguard students. Please share with family, friends, neighbors and supporters. It will take everyone's help to reach our goal! You can find information on all fundraising efforts on the www.allenband.com/tor

SPIRIT WEAR

TOR spirit wear will be on sale through May. Orders will be filled on a monthly basis. Be sure to get your TOR swag to represent at the parade and around town. There's something for everyone and these items make for great keepsakes. Out of town supporters can choose to have items shipped directly to them. Shop today at www.allenband.com/shop.

DONATIONS

Anyone can donate to the trip! Share our donation page everywhere, on social media, group chats, bulletin boards, etc. Our goal is to have every student receive $200 in donations. All donations are tax deductible. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/a894290a-950c-44c0-9645-597ab46f86d3.

SPONSORSHIPS

Local business can show support too! Share the sponsorship package with any business you know. Doctors, realtors, small owned, large corporations, etc. Our goal is $90,000 in business support. You can find more information on the www.allenband.com/torsponsors.

TOR LEGACY EVENT

Join us Saturday, March 8, 2025, for the TOR Legacy Event. This special fundraising event offers a unique opportunity to connect with former band directors and alumni, as they share cherished memories from their time with the band. The evening will feature a delicious dinner, lively conversations, and a silent auction filled with fantastic items, all aimed at helping to offset the costs of this once-in-a-lifetime trip. The goal is to get 300 people to attend. Ticket information and other details can be found on the www.allenband.com/torlegacy.

For questions on any fundraising efforts please contact the ABBA TOR Committee at tor@allenband.com.

Nominations are now open for the 2025-26 year. The ABBA Nominating Committee is looking for volunteers to apply to serve on the 2025-26 ABBA Board or as a chair of a standing committee. Nominations are open till January 31.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdP-FxisaywM7lvxxgskPxIlp51lMZGuZJbabKN8TKrljyWxQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Questions, email the Nominating Committee at nominations@allenband.com.

Join us Tuesday, February 4, at 7pm for the next ABBA Membership Meeting. Get updates on what the boosters are up to and hear from Dr. Obado about the program.

The band staff is already preparing for the 2025 marching season. There will be one required movement camp and a required incoming freshman marching camp.

If you are interested in trying out for drum major or SLT, we will begin our training/workshops the week before Spring Break. They will be held on Mondays from 4:30pm-6pm in the AHS Band Hall or AHS Ensemble Room. The first 45 minutes will be general leadership/SLT training and the second 45 minutes will be specific training for drum majors. AHS & LFC Wind Ensembles (including seniors) will be required to attend the first 45 minutes of the SLT workshops as part of their Musicianship Class.

Required Movement Camp for all LFC/AHS Returning Students

• Wednesday, April 16 (4:30-6pm)

Incoming Freshman Marching Camp (Not Required for current LFC/AHS students)

• Thursday, April 24 (4:30-6pm)

SLT/Drum Major Workshops

• Mon, March 10: 4:30-6pm
• Mon, March 24: 4:30-6pm
• Mon, March 31: 4:30-6pm
• Mon, April 7 4:30-6pm
• Mon, April 14: 4:30-6pm

Drum Major Tryouts

• Mon, April 21 (Phase 1 - After School)
• Wed, April 23 (Phase 2 - After School)

SLT Tryouts

• Tues, April 29 (Woodwinds - After School)
• Wed, April 30 (Brass - After School)
• Guard & Percussion Tryouts will be scheduled by Mr. Camp/Mr. Locke

Mon, Jan. 13: Area Auditions @ Plano Senior HS

Tues, Jan 14: All-State Recording Sessions (AHS MPR)

Thurs, Jan 16: Region 25 Clinic/Concert (6-9pm)

Fri, Jan 17: Region 25 Clinic/Concert (8:30am-3:30pm/Concerts: 6:15pm-9pm)

Sat, Jan 18: Winterguard Contest @ Lake Ridge HS

Tues, Jan 21: Woodwind Auditions in Class

Wed, Jan 22: Woodwind Auditions in Class

Thurs, Jan 23: Woodwind Auditions in Class

Sat, Jan 26: Percussion Auditions

Tues, Jan 28: Brass Auditions in Class

Wed, Jan 29: Brass Auditions in Class

Thurs, Jan 30: Brass Auditions in Class

Fri, Jan 31: Guard Audition Due

• Dr. Philip Obado, Director of Bands, Allen ISD
• Dr. Steven Knight, Associate Director of Bands & Marching Band Director
• Joshua Blankenship, Director of Bands, Lowery Freshman Center
• Alex Baczewski, Assistant Band Director & Jazz Studies Director
• Andrew Camp, Colorguard Director & Assistant Band Director
• Miles Locke, Percussion Director & Assistant Band Director
• Jeremy Rohr, Assistant Band Director, Lowery Freshman Center
• Jesse Vela, Assistant Percussion Director & Assistant Band Director
• Susan Fulk, Performing Arts Administrative Assistant