VOICE LESSONS

Mr. Walker wanted me to pass along that he is starting voice lessons this week on Tuesday and Thursday. You must contract for 8 lessons. Lessons are 10 for a half hour session. He is making a schedule now, so contact him soon.

All County Honors Choir

Monday March 2nd Choir 6-8:30 Valley High School
Monday March 9th Choir 6-9 SSU
Tuesday March 10th Choir 8:30-1:30 SSU

All practices are mandatory.

Competitions

Grove City Feb. 28th
Hanover March 7th
Lebanon March 21st

Ohio Valley Showcase-Hanover Indiana

Hotel Info: Hampton Inn Carrolton, Ky 7 Slumber Lane Carrolton, Ky 41008 502-732-0700

If you need a room Mr. Walker needed to know in writing by the 20th and needs the 95 payment by Feb. 28th.

THere are limited seats on the charter bus 25.00 each (contact Mr. Walker)

Estimated Schedule: Sat. March 7th
7 am depart East
11:30 pm Arrive Southwestern High School
5:30 Awards
7 pm Finals

Sunday March 8
Continental Breakfast @ Hotel
10:45 Load Bus/ Leave for Eastgate Mall
4:30 Return to East

Directions to Southwestern
AA Highway to Cincinnati
275 W/S
71 South towards Louisville 40 miles
Ky-227 (exit 44) towards Carrolton/Worthville 4 miles
Left onto us42/ky36 13 miles
Right onto us 421
Left onto us 421/in 56/in62 6 miles
Left onto Main Cross Street/Follow signs to Southwestern Schools

Thanks To Alumni

We would like to thank the many alumni who made it back home for our alumni celebration. The reviews of the National Anthem have been remarkable (we've still got it) Thanks to those who braved the early Saturday morning performance of the group, it was awesome to see so many of you there.

An additional thanks to those who tossed donations in the donation bucket, every little bit helps during competition season

NOTICE ON FUNDRAISING

After conferring with Deanna and George. Mr. Walker has confirmed that if a student has raised or raises their $250.00 of their fundraising goal, they may continue to fundraise and the additional funds can be used to pay your additional costs for your personal items (i.e. $94.00 for bodysuit etc.)

Importance of Rehearsal

To say that we have reached crunch time would be the understatement. The kids have been diligently working on vocals and choreography, parents have been busy on costumes and backdrops. It is very important as extra rehearsals have been set, that everyone makes a commitment to have your children there to participate. Not to sound cliche, but we are only as good as our weakest member. Practice needs to be a priority not only for our kids, but as parents, we have committed to our kids being a part of this great group. So, as tired as we are after a long day of work, please dont punish the group because you dont want to stay up late to pick up your kid, or because you were going shopping on President's Day, or whatever the case may be. We have several parents who are around during rehearsal, who I am sure would be willing to carpool for the sake of the group. Just ask :)

Students who owe 50.00 Madrigal Fee

Just a reminder there are still students who owe their 50.00 fee. Please check with your kids and pay this fee as soon as possible.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST A SUCCESS

A total close to 900.00 was raised in our short two hours Saturday morning at Applebees. Hopefully those who needed to increase their fundraising total took advantage of this 100% profit opportunity. There will be an updated post of the fundraising totals sometime on Monday.

Ask your kids...

Each madrigal has been given a list of what they owe for at this time. It is important that this money is paid as soon as possible. These items that have been purchased are considered for personal use and due to hygiene etc, cannot be returned to the group to be used again. The items that are on the list may include items such as a nude body suit, tights, a pair of spankees (like cheer tights), earrings etc. Please check with your child to see what you owe.

GROVE CITY PERFORMANCE TIME

Mr. Walker has informed me that our performance time at Grove City is 9:30 am and our warm up time is 9:00 am. This means an early departure from Sciotoville.

PANCAKE TICKETS

The kids received their pancake breakfast tickets yesterday at practice. This can be a great fundraiser to help each child meet their fundraising goal. Tickets cost $5 each and the kids profit $5 each (CANT BE 100% profit) Advanced ticket sales must be turned in on Friday. Additional tickets will be available at the door

Rehearsal FOR MONDAY

Monday's rehearsal is scheduled for 8 am to 1 p.m. As we get closer to the first competition I am sure that everyone realizes how important it is for everyone to be at rehearsal. Please ask your kids about rehearsal. BTW-Got a sneak peak today, and the kids continue to sound terrific. Love the arrangements, Sparkle brought tears to my eyes today, and they seem to be enjoying the show.

CHANGE IN REHEARSAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please note that rehearsal for Sunday has been changed to Saturday 9-1. Honors Choir auditions will be rescheduled for another date.

Madrigal Group Picture

Here are some pics of the group! Looks like we are in for some fun this season.

Madrigal 30 Year Reunion

We are in the process of organizing a 30 year celebration. We are in the process of gathering the names of the thirty years of madrigals and their contact information. The tentative plans are to meet for a cake and punch reception and then meet in the music room to prepare to sing the national anthem before the game on Feb. 20th against Symmes Valley. We are asking for a 10.00 registration fee, which includes an East Madrigal Alumni t-shirt. We have several Madrigal alumni in our very own parent group and teaching staff, so the pressure is on.... Tamie Mault, Cindy Lindamood, Sommer Picklesimer, myself, Rachel Stapleton, Deanna Price, Matt Hammer... Our goal is 100 madrigals :)

More Strawberry Information

Some of you have expressed concerns about the strawberry fundraiser. I spoke directly of your concerns to Mr. Walker and here is his response.... The minimum was established because Mr. Walker wants to establish a fundraiser where the expectations are the same for everyone. Even if your child is already close to, or the strawberries will put your child over the fundraising total, he/she is still expected to sell the minimum number of flats.

On a side note, in talking to some of the kids, Mr. Walker indicated to them as long as he was not aware of the fact, there could be sharing of orders, so that more could meet their minimum. If this occurs to benefit your child, you will need to make certain that you establish with the person you are sharing orders, a plan for pick up and delivery.

WATCH FOR STRAWBERRY ORDER FORMS

Mr. Walker will be sending home an order form for fresh strawberries on Tuesday. It is really important that everyone participates in this fundraiser and there will more than likely be a minimum order to be sold by each member. Ask your child for their order form.

Another Successful Day

Today again was deemed a great success of choreography and vocals. Remember that choreography will take place again tomorrow night after the game at the high school, either in the gym or the music room. Practice is scheduled from 8:30-10:30, but do not be surprised if they go over depending on the start time.

Some Fun On Saturday

Some of the group went to Tri-State to hear some of their favorite choirs and then to B-dubs after.

CHOREOGRAPHY TIME CHANGE

Due to the possibility of slick road conditions, choreography will now begin at 10 am at Porter Freewill Baptist Church.

December A Success

After much trial and tribulation, the Renaissance Dinner was a huge success. I guess we were all skeptical to change but The kids sounded awesome! The expansion to include the other choirs and art students was a welcomed change. Dinner itself was great (thanks to the cooks who manned the grills for hours Marion & Terry). We look forward to other challenges that Mr. Walker puts before us. For more pictures be sure to check out the school's website www.east.k12.oh.us

Costumes Are Coming

The costumes have been ordered and will arriving soon. Once they arrive there will be lots of things that need to happen. Name tags will need to be sewn in, items will need to be steamed, there will be lots of ironing to do. We will need to have alterations, fittings, etc. If you can be and are willing to help. Please plan to attend typically the evening practices when we all jump in with our many talents or even our limited abilities.

Hanover Indiana-Overnight Accomodations

Deanna has a hotel on hold (Hampton Inn, in Carrollton Indiana) Deanna will post to this post with how to make overnight accomodations.

Remainder of Competition Schedule

The remaining competition schedule is as follows:
March 7th Southwestern- Hanover Indiana (overnight trip
March 21st Lebanon-Lebanon, Ohio

** Participation in these events is contingent on fundraising.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser-Feb. 7th

We will hold a pancake breakfast fundraiser in conjunction with Applebees in New Boston. Each ticket is $5.00 and will be held from 8am-10 am. Each Madrigal and parent should plan to attend and help to serve. This is 100% profit and will help each Madrigal meet their individual fundraising goal of $250.00. More information will be posted as it becomes available for ticket sales.

1st Competition Scheduled Feb. 28th

The first competition of the season has been scheduled and will be held on Saturday, Feb. 28th at the Voices in the Grove Competition. The competition is held at Grove City High School. Last year at this competition, we did very well. Here are some tips based on my personal experience with this competition. Others may post other helpful hints. Get there early, it is a nice auditorium, and once you get your seat you will not want to give it up. The doors will close before the performance and you will not be able to enter after a performance has already started. If they have the same photographer as last year, it is worth purchasing the picture cd. Last year, one parent purchased the cd and then made copies. Be sure to check the pics before you leave. The address for the school is 4665 Hoover Road, Grove City Ohio, just in case you are using a GPS to find the school. There are concessions on site, and the competition lasts all day and into the evening. I will post more info as I get it in regards to bus times and performance times.

East Choir Booster Officers

2008-2009 East Choir Booster Officers
Elected at the first booster meeting of the year, the following were elected to officer positions.
Returning as President: George Tibbs (Sparkle's dad) 776-4002 Vice President: Mark Figelstahler (Ian's dad) 776-7077, Secretary: Vicky Matthews (Brittany Caudill's Mom) 776-0311 , Treasurer: Deanna Price (Hannah's Mom) 776- 1129, Public Relations & Communications: Lori Lowe (Emilee's Mom) 776-4403. Feel free to contact any officer for more information.

Choreography Sessions Scheduled

The first of the season's choreograghy sessions has been scheduled and successfully completed. All report that the session went well and that the group is eager to work again on Monday (Martin Luther King Holiday) with choreographers Emily Cook and Michael Kline. Michael and Emily are both former Madrigals.

The remainder of the scheduled choreography sessions are as follows:
Monday 8 am-4 pm Porter Freewill Baptist Church (behind Gampps BP)
Tuesday 8:30-10:30 pm (after the home basketball game)
Wednesday 8:30-10:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-1 pm
Sunday Feb. 1st 1pm-5 pm.

2008-2009 Madrigal Members

Members for the 2008-2009 season include:
Brittany Caudill-Senior 3 year member
Katie Bennett-Junior 3 year member
Courtney Smalley-Senior 2 year member
Sparkle Tibbs-Junior 3 year member
Emilee Lowe-Sophomore 2 year member
Courtney Faul-Sophomore 2 year member
Kristin Sherman-Junior 2 year member
Megan Miers-Senior 2 year member
Aaron Gilley-Senior 4 year member
Alex Lindamood-Sophomore 2 year member
Mitchell Chaffin-Sophomore 1st year
Quinn Mault-Freshman 1st year
Brian Collins-Senior 4 year member
Devin Mitchell-Sophomore 2 year member
Ian Figelstahler-Junior 3 year member
Cody Phillips-Junior 3 year member
Adam Jones-Senior 3 year member
Ian Snyder-Freshman 1st year member
Joseph Morrison-Freshman 1st year member
Gabe Warnock-Freshman 1st year member
Jeremy Jones-Sophomore 2nd year member
Hannah Price-Freshman 1st year member
Tana Timberlake-Sophomore 1st year member
Kaity Leach-Sophomore 1st year member
Chassidy Cottrell-Senior 4 year member
Erica Herrforth-Sophomore 2nd year member
Sharleen Hemminger-Senior 4 year member
Richard Beckwith- Junior 1st year member
Tori Kelley-Freshman 1st year member
Megan Maddix- Senior 1st year member
Zack Hamilton-Sophomore 1st year member

Madrigals Welcome New Director

We are proud and pleased to have Mr. Clark Walker as the new director of East High's Vocal Music Department. Here are some informal facts that we know about Mr. Walker. He is a first year teacher, and a recent graduate of Morehead State University. He is married to a wonderful and supporting wife Mel, and they are expecting their first child (to be named later, although we all have our names chosen) He is a graduate of River Valley High School. Mr. Walker can be reached @ james.walker@east.k12.oh.us. Welcome to Sciotoville, we are glad you are a Tartan!