Gary Coartney, Director
May 29, 2015
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year. This letter is to inform you of important contact information, and a few words about the upcoming school year.
Contact Information:
*Gary Coartney, Director
Director of Instrumental Music
(925)682-8000 ext. 3330 school www.chsminutemenmusic.org
website coartneyg@mdusd.org
school email………… leadthrumusic@gmail.com professional email
*Theresa Dowd
President, Concord High Instrumental Music Boosters (CHIMB) trephone@gmail.com
email
Website for Parents and Students
Please go to the website ( www.chsminutemenmusic.org
) to stay up to date on all events that we do throughout the year. When on the website, go to the bottom-right and click on the calendar icon. We update the calendar frequently. Also go to the Parents Header, Events Blog for specific information as each event is coming up.
Examples of Events 2015-2016:
Heritage Music Festival in San Diego, and:
*Recording Sessions for New Double CDs
*Joint Concerts with Colleges and High Schools
*Community Events
*New Focus on Music Technology & Multimedia Lab
Instrumental Music Walk-Thru for all Parents and Students (MANDATORY!!!) is Wednesday, August 5 th
6:00pm for incoming students, 7:00pm for returning students.
We are all looking forward to another incredible music & school year.
Sincerely,
Gary Coartney

ONGOING EVENTS FOR PARENTS (Parent participation encouraged) 7:15pm-9:00pm Band Room
1 ST Monday of Every Month CHS Instrumental Music Boosters (CHSIMB) Meetings
(Occasional Exceptions – See chsminutemenmusic.org calendar for exceptions)
Bingo EVERY Friday Night @ Blue Devils Hall
(Our Program is FINANCED by our Fund-Raising efforts and those efforts are critical to the success of our program.
Without it, we could not continue to provide the highest quality musical education and individual student’s experience. Every parent’s participation contributes to the program’s success.)
UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS: for more times and additional information: www.chsminutemenmusic.org
August:
8/3 Monday 8:30am-4:00pm IMLC Camp begins (M –F) (All Instrumental Music Leadership Council)
8/5 Wednesday 6pm Instrumental Music Registration and Walk-Thru
7pm Returning Families Registration and Walk-Thru
8/6 Thursday 12-2pm Pre-Marching Band Camp (All incoming MB students)
8/7 Friday
8/10 Monday
12-2pm End of Pre-Marching Band Camp (All incoming MB students)
6am Antioch Overnight Retreat Begins (MB/AX) @ CHS
8/12 Wednesday 3pm Antioch Overnight Retreat Ends (MB/AX) @ CHS
8/13 Thursday
8/21 Friday
8/25 Tuesday
5-9pm
5-9pm
7:00a
MB/AX Camp Begins (8/13. 8/14, 8/17-8/21) @CHS
MB/AX Camp Ends @ Chs
First Day of School
3:30p MB/AX After School Rehearsal Begins (3:30-6:00p) @CHS
(Every Tuesday until Thanksgiving)
8/27 Thursday 3:30p AX After School Rehearsal Begins (3:30-6:00p) @CHS
(Every Thursday until Thanksgiving)
September:
9/5 Saturday
9/7 Monday
9/11 Friday
9/14 Monday
9/19 Saturday
7:30a CHS Bocce Tournament and Fundraiser (all day) @ Newhall Park
Labor Day (no school)
6:00p Home football game (MB/AX) (in Uniform Game starts at 7pm)
7:15p CHSIMB (Concord High School Instrumental Music Boosters) meeting Band Room
TBA Walnut Festival, Rehearsal, Picnic and Parade (all day)
Refer to website Calendar for details
9/21 Monday
9/26 Saturday
6:00p Winter Guard Clinics 6-9p in MU (every Monday until Auditions)
TBA Delta BR (Band Review) (all day) refer to Website

October:
10/3 Saturday
10/5 Monday
8-noon March-A-Thon
7:15p CHSIMB (Concord High School Instrumental Music Boosters) meeting Band Room
10/16 Friday
10/16 Friday
10/17 Saturday
10/26 Monday
6:00p Homecoming Football (MB/AX) not in uniform 7pm game
No School (teacher in-service)
TBA Santa Cruz BR (all day)
6:00p Winter Guard Auditions MU
10/28 Wednesday 7:00p WG/WP Parent & Student Meeting Band Room
10/30 Friday TBA Home football game (MB/AX) (in Uniform Game starts at 7pm)
November:
11/2 Monday
11/7 Saturday
11/11 Wednesday
7:15p CHSIMB meeting Band Room
TBA Lodi Grape Bowl BR (all day)
Veterans Day (no school)
11/18 Wednesday TBA MDUSD Jazz Festival
11/23 Monday
11/28 Saturday
December:
12/3 Thursday
12/5 Saturday
Thanksgiving Break
TBA Hollywood X-Mas Parade???? (Return early Monday)
7:30p Fall Concert #1 (WE/OR/SYM)(AX bake sale)
4:00p Todo Santos Tree Lighting Ceremony JE
12/7 Monday
12/10 Thursday
7:15p CHSIMB meetings
7:30p Fall Concert #2 Jazz Concert MU (JE/SB) (Perc Bake Sale) featuring
the Rory Snyder Night Jazz Band
12/19 Saturday TBA AX Program Vacation Celebration (AX/WG/DM)
12/21 Monday
January:
Winter Recess
1 /4
1/9
1/18
1/19
1/22
Monday
Saturday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
1/23 Saturday
February:
2/1 Monday
2/6 Saturday
2/8 Monday
2/12
2/13
2/15
2/27
Friday
Saturday
Monday
Saturday
2/29 Monday
March:
3/7 Monday
3/11 Friday
3/12 Saturday
7:15p CHSIMB meeting
TBA MDUSD Honor Band Festival (all day)
MLK (no school)
Finals
Teacher In-service (no school)
TBA Folsom Jazz Festival (all day)
7:15p CHSIMB meeting
TBA Dinner Dance and Auction in MU
Lincolns B-DAY (no school)
8:00p WG/WP/WDM Friends & Family #1 in MU
TBA Delta WR (WG/WP/WDM)(all day)
Presidents Day (no school)
TBA Fairfield WR (WG/WP/WDM) (all day)
7:15p CHSIMB meeting for March in Band Room
7:30p MDUSD Concord Area Band Festival (Ax Program Bake Sale)
TBA
Teacher In-Service Day (no school)
Granada WR (WG/WP/WDM)(all day)

March cont:
3/14 Monday
3/25 Friday
3/26 Saturday
3/28 Monday
April:
4/4 Monday
TBA NCBA Winter Champs (WG/WP/WDM)(all day) @ Cal High
Spring Recess
7:15p CHSIMB meeting in Band Room
4/13 Wednesday TBA Heritage Music Festival in San Diego Trip (Return on: 4/17/15)
4/18 Monday 3:30p Auxiliary Training Clinics (thru Friday 22 nd )
4/25 Monday
4/25 Monday
4:00p Auxiliary Auditions
Fine Arts Week
4/27 Wednesday 7:00p Auxiliary Team and Parent meeting in Band Room
4/28 Thursday 3:30p Drum Major Auditions
4/30 Saturday
May:
TBA Blues Concert in Dave Brubeck Park (all day)
5/2 Monday
5/2 Monday
5/3 Tuesday
5/5 Thursday
7:15p CHSIMB meeting in Band Room
6:00p Auxiliary rehearsals begin (every Monday thru the 23 rd )
7:30p Spring Concert #1 (WE, SYM, SO)(IMLC Bake sale)
7:30p Spring Concert #2 (JE, SB) (Perc Bake Sale)
5/7 Saturday
5/8 Sunday
5/14 Saturday
5/26 Thursday
June:
6/6 Monday
?? ???
6/14 Tuesday
7:30p MDUSD Concord Area Orchestra Festival (Perc Program Bake Sale)
TBA WG/WP/WDM Friends & Family #2 in Gym
TBA Recording Session (all day) in MU
TBA Recording Session (all day) in MU
TBA Awards Banquet
TBA Todo Santos Summer Concert in the park Series (JE/SB)
7:15p CHSIMB meeting in Band Room
??? Graduation Ceremony at Concord Pavilion WE/SYM
6:00p Summer Auxiliary Rehearsals Begin

4
st
nd
(Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)
(Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Guitar, Bass,
Drums & Piano)
(Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion)(exceptions can be made)
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
(Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, Guitar, Bass,
Drums & Piano)… By Audition Only

Parents, Staff and Community Members,
With the implementation of common core, many schools are focused on the new tests and rigorous standards, and instruction in the visual and performing arts can easily take a back seat. I do not want that to be the case in Mt.
Diablo Unified School District. The Arts should be an integral part of our district’s academic program. We want our students to be highly skilled and literate. We want them to be strong in mathematics, science and the social sciences. We want them to be physically fit and healthy. We also appreciate the ability of the arts to enhance their lives.
All of our students must have the opportunity to experience the beauty of color, sound, movement, and creativity. At the elementary level, students participate in vocal music each week with a credentialed music teacher. The children learn how to sing, dance, and perform with music. Fifth graders have the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program. This voluntary program provides instrumental lessons twice a week where the children acquire the skills to read and play notes and rhythms. Through this program, many of our fifth graders are learning how to play musical instruments and perform in a band or orchestra setting.
Many of our elementary schools have visual arts programs. The children learn about artists, visual art forms and create using a range of different media and techniques. This year Meadow Homes Elementary is one of just ten
Turnaround Arts Schools in the state. Turnaround Arts is a public/private partnership that works to improve student achievement, increase student engagement and enhance the culture of a school. This grant has allowed Meadow
Homes students to receive visual arts, music, dance and drama instruction at school and to experience the arts integrated into their regular classroom curriculum.
At the secondary level, students have the opportunity to expand and enhance their artistic skills acquired earlier in their school careers or find new forms of expression. At the middle level, students may choose courses in visual art, vocal or instrumental music, or drama.

Our high schools offer an array of courses that vary from school to school but that may include everything from AP
Studio Art to Film Study, Photography, Jazz Band or Stagecraft. Our students have the opportunity to find a new artistic outlet and learn the intricacies of that craft.
We are very proud of our students and their talents. However, it is through the diligent support of parent and community groups that our art programs thrive. The Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation has provided grants to purchase new and refurbish old musical instruments. The Booster Clubs provide grants for new music and materials, and assist in securing transportation to festivals, concerts and performances. Additionally, parents work tirelessly to make such performances enjoyable for the participants and audiences. Many of our middle and elementary Parent Faculty Clubs provide funding to purchase equipment and supplies for class projects and also contribute to fund after school arts enrichment programs.
Another great partnership we have is with the Bedford Gallery. They are providing a new docent-led visual arts pilot program at five of our elementary schools. Next year, the Assistance League of the Diablo Valley will also support a new visual arts program at two additional elementary schools. Everyone should be grateful to the parent and community groups that share our district’s commitment to educating the whole child by supporting the arts programs in our schools.
The visual and performing arts programs for our kids would not exist without dedicated teachers and staff. These educators model their passion for the arts and guide them as they discover the excitement and beauty inherent in timeless works of art. MDUSD is fortunate as we have accomplished artists who share their talents and enthusiasm with our students while teaching them to follow their artistic inspiration.
I urge you to attend some of the many performances by our students and view an exhibition of their work. I think you will be impressed with what you will see and hear. If you follow our district or specific schools on social media or school websites, you will see postings about upcoming performances. Creative, imaginative, and wonderful things happen at our schools every day.
Nellie Meyer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Mt. Diablo Unified School District
© 2014 -2015 Mt. Diablo Unified School District
1936 Carlotta Dr., Concord, CA 94519
(925) 682-8000 Phone | TTY

Dear Parents and Students,
For the last 35 years Bingo has been the major fundraiser for our music program. Bingo contributes onethird of our entire program budget. That equates to around $40,000 a year. It is the financial life-blood of our program and is paramount in helping us to continue offering amazing experiences for our students.
Without Bingo we would not be able to travel to Band Reviews, Festivals, Events and Trips (both in California and around the country). If bingo was lost, we would still have an amazing program that performs within a
20 mile radius (the basic distance that a parent would be willing to drive their child to an event), but not to many of the events that we have participated in throughout the years.
Here is a list of things that I will have to eliminate from the program if we lose Bingo:
 Santa Cruz Band Review
 Folsom Jazz Festival
 Heritage Music Festival in San Diego
 Fantasy Studios Recording Session and Double CD of entire program
 Awards Banquet
 All Scholarships
 Winter Guard and Winter Percussion (including all instructors).
This would be devastating to our students and our program. We are one of the best programs in Northern
California because of our incredible booster organization (you the parents) and your volunteerism when it comes to fundraising.
If we lose Bingo this program will only be a shadow of its former self.
We need your help working Bingo through the summer as well as throughout the rest of the year.
Bingo not only raises money for the program but also for your family.
Please participate in Bingo. This is very serious and very real. We may lose bingo before the end of summer if we don’t start getting more parents to help every Friday night.
Please call or email:
Theresa Dowd (Booster President)
(925)586-0889 cell trephone@gmail.com
email
Katie Norlin (Bingo Chair)
(925)768-2237 cell emtkn@aol.com
email

Wednesday August 5 th , 6:00pm for new families and 7:00pm for returning families
Students and Parent/Guardians Must Attend!!
1.
FORMS TO BRING TO MEETING (FILLED OUT)
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Student & Parent/Guardian Information Form
Student Emergency Form
Student Authorization for Medication Form
Concord High School Instrumental Music Boosters (CHSIMB) Form
Jazz Ensemble Bus Transportation Permission Slip Form
Stage Band Bus Transportation Permission Slip Form
Stage Band Private Transportation Permission Slip Form
Jazz Ensemble Private Transportation Permission Slip Form
☐
2.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS NEEDED FOR THE MEETING
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Pen or Pencil
Check book or Credit Card
Calendar (if you have questions on dates)
Patience and a Positive Attitude (meetings can be a little overwhelming with the amount of information discussed).
Know your students clothing sizes (and possibly shoe size)

Dear Families,
It is important we have the right contact information for our families. Please enter all the current information on this form and return ASAP. Thank you!
CHBB
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Parent(s) Names
_________________________________________________________
Address (including City and Zip Code):
_________________________________________________________
Class Year: Instrument(s):
__________________ ________________________________________
Indicate Program Please: MB/Symphonic ____ AUX ____ Wind Ensemble ____ Stage Band ____
Jazz Band ____ _ Orch________
Family Phone #: Student Phone #:
_______________________________ ______________________________
Primary Parent/ Guardian email address 1:
__________________________________________________________________
Secondary Parent / Guardian email address 2:
Student email address:
__________________________________________________________________
T-SHIRT SIZE FOR STUDENT: ____________ (Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL)
My information is correct: ________________________________ Date: ____________________
(Parent Signature Please)

Mt. Diablo Unified School District
HIGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIP PERMISION SLIP
Jazz Ensemble
2015-2016
Participant (Student name):___________________________________ School Site: Concord HS
Trip Information
Destinations: Folsom, CA
Event/Activity: Folsom Jazz Festival 1/23/16
Instructional Objective: ___Jazz Festivals and Performances
Rationale (be specific):__Music Performance____________________________________________________
Method of Evaluation (related to standards):____Assessment__________________________________
Trip coordinator/Supervisor: __Gary Coartney_ Class/Group Attending: Jazz Ensemble; Stage Band
Departing from: _School____
Method of Transportation: __Bus Transportation
Health & Emergency Information
Student’s specific medical needs, if any: ________________________________________________________
Medical provider: __________________________________ Telephone number: (____) ______-___________
Emergency Parent/guardian Contact: ___________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
Alternate Parent/Guardian Contact: _____________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT MINORS: in the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give my permission to call 911 and/or to contact a medical facility or physician selected by the school staff to secure proper treatment for my child and that I will be responsible for said expenses.
Prescription or over-the-counter medication:
I certify that I have on file in the school a current form stating all medications that my child must take.
I HAVE READ AND HERBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE-LISTED INFORMATION IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE. I FURTHER AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
PERMISSION SLIP.
Parent/guardian signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian name (please print):____________________________________________________________

Mt. Diablo Unified School District
HIGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIP PERMISION SLIP
Jazz Ensemble
2015-2016
Participant (Student name):___________________________________ School Site: Concord HS
Trip Information
Destinations: DVC, Pleasant Hill, JE, 11/18/15; Todo Santos Plaza, Concord, JE, 12/5/15 and 5/26/16
Event/Activity: MDUSD Jazz Festival; Concord Tree Lighting Ceremony; Todos Santos Spring Concert
Instructional Objective: ___Jazz Festivals and Performances
Rationale (be specific):__Music Performance____________________________________________________
Method of Evaluation (related to standards):____Assessment__________________________________
Trip coordinator/Supervisor: __Gary Coartney_ Class/Group Attending: Jazz Ensemble; Stage Band
Departing from: _School____
Method of Transportation: __Private Transportation
Health & Emergency Information
Student’s specific medical needs, if any: ________________________________________________________
Medical provider: __________________________________ Telephone number: (____) ______-___________
Emergency Parent/guardian Contact: ___________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
Alternate Parent/Guardian Contact: _____________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT MINORS: in the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give my permission to call 911 and/or to contact a medical facility or physician selected by the school staff to secure proper treatment for my child and that I will be responsible for said expenses.
Prescription or over-the-counter medication:
I certify that I have on file in the school a current form stating all medications that my child must take.
I HAVE READ AND HERBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE-LISTED INFORMATION IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE. I FURTHER AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
PERMISSION SLIP.
Parent/guardian signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian name (please print):____________________________________________________________

Mt. Diablo Unified School District
HIGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIP PERMISION SLIP
Stage Band
2015-2016
Participant (Student name):___________________________________ School Site: Concord HS
Trip Information
Destinations: Folsom, CA
Event/Activity: Folsom Jazz Festival 1/23/16
Instructional Objective: ___Jazz Festivals and Performances
Rationale (be specific):__Music Performance____________________________________________________
Method of Evaluation (related to standards):____Assessment__________________________________
Trip coordinator/Supervisor: __Gary Coartney_ Class/Group Attending: Jazz Ensemble; Stage Band
Departing from: _School____
Method of Transportation: __Bus Transportation
Health & Emergency Information
Student’s specific medical needs, if any: ________________________________________________________
Medical provider: __________________________________ Telephone number: (____) ______-___________
Emergency Parent/guardian Contact: ___________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
Alternate Parent/Guardian Contact: _____________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT MINORS: in the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give my permission to call 911 and/or to contact a medical facility or physician selected by the school staff to secure proper treatment for my child and that I will be responsible for said expenses.
Prescription or over-the-counter medication: I certify that I have on file in the school a current form stating all medications that my child must take.
I HAVE READ AND HERBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE-LISTED INFORMATION IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE. I FURTHER AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
PERMISSION SLIP.
Parent/guardian signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian name (please print):____________________________________________________________

Mt. Diablo Unified School District
HIGH SCHOOL FIELD TRIP PERMISION SLIP
Stage Band
2015-2016
Participant (Student name):___________________________________ School Site: Concord HS
Trip Information
Destinations: Todos Santos Plaza, Concord 5/26/2016
Event/Activity: Concert in the Park
Instructional Objective: ___Jazz Performances
Rationale (be specific):__Music Performance____________________________________________________
Method of Evaluation (related to standards):____Assessment__________________________________
Trip coordinator/Supervisor: __Gary Coartney_ Class/Group Attending: Jazz Ensemble; Stage Band
Departing from: _School____
Method of Transportation: __Private Transportation
Health & Emergency Information
Student’s specific medical needs, if any: ________________________________________________________
Medical provider: __________________________________ Telephone number: (____) ______-___________
Emergency Parent/guardian Contact: ___________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
Alternate Parent/Guardian Contact: _____________________________________________________________
Cell Number: (____) ____-_______ Home Number: (____) ____-_______Work Number: (____) ____-______
AUTHORIZATION TO TREAT MINORS: in the event that I cannot be reached in an emergency, I hereby give my permission to call 911 and/or to contact a medical facility or physician selected by the school staff to secure proper treatment for my child and that I will be responsible for said expenses.
Prescription or over-the-counter medication:
I certify that I have on file in the school a current form stating all medications that my child must take.
I HAVE READ AND HERBY CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE-LISTED INFORMATION IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY
KNOWLEDGE. I FURTHER AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS
PERMISSION SLIP.
Parent/guardian signature: ____________________________________________________________________
Parent/guardian name (please print):____________________________________________________________