EE practice UPDATE

Ellis Emeralds Practice Scheduled for Monday, December 13th has been cancelled due to uncontrollable scheduling conflicts.  We will not have another practice until after the Christmas Break.

After the break we should be on a more regular schedule and be able to secure floor time in the gym.

Please check the calendar over the break for updates.

Have a Great Break and Merry Christmas!

Dance Camp

Thank you to all of the Ellis Emeralds, Dega Darlins and Dega Addition that helped make our Elementary Dance Camp a HUGE success.  I am so proud of the work our girls do on a regular basis, but I am even more proud when they are able to pass that along to others in the way that they did this week.  The final event was outstanding.  See you at the Christmas Parade on Monday Night!  (Don't forget... dress warm in and "Christmas Like", bring you Elf hat and your Streamer.) 

Winter Guard Camp

The Annual Winter Guard Camp will be held on November 12th-13th at THS.  For details and more information click here. 

After reviewing the information feel free to contact Ms. Todd with any questions that you may have.

We are looking forward to a GREAT season! 

calender updated

The Calendar has been updated.  Please click on the link found on the right side of the page in order to access the calendar for rehearsal and performance information.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! 2010-2011 Ellis Emeralds!

2010-2011 Ellis Emeralds

Jamonica Curry

Cortney Cook

Ashleigh Farmer

Sierra George

Destiny Lawler

Katelyn Martin

Jessica McKenzie

Kayla Mellon

Kaitlyn Shaddix

Charmaine Smith

Devon Smith

Zoe Thomas

Indonika Truss

Jessica Wilcox

What a great clinic week and audition we had on Saturday.  I am proud of all 29 girls that took on the new challenge with energy and determination.  Congratulations to those young ladies that are part of the 2010-2011 Ellis Emeralds.  To those young ladies that did not make the list this year:  I encourage you to keep working hard and audition again next year.  If it is something you want to do, then never give up!  :)

photos available

 The photos from SCGC are now online and available for viewing and ordering. 

Click HERE to visit Jolesh Photography, the official photographer for SCGC Championships. 

Browse around and look at other groups as well as our own.   

Enjoy!

2010/2011 Dega Darlins Addition.... Congrats!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to the 8th grade members of the Ellis Emeralds that auditioned and are now part of the Dega Darlins Addition of Talladega High School.  We are proud of you and will miss you as an Ellis Emerald, but look forward to working with you as our sister group.  :)

Amber

Anna

Alex

Andrea

ATTENTION 8th GRADE GIRLS!!!!!!!!

Dega Darlin Addition Tryouts begin tomorrow... Monday, April 5th.  

If you have not picked up a packet from Ms. Todd do so immediately.  Fee and form is due at clinic at 3:30 at THS.  Meet in the THS Bandroom.  

No experience is required.  Any 8th grade girl may audition.  See you there!

2010 STATE CHAMPIONS and GOLD medalists!!!!

This WEEK!!!!

The time is quickly approaching.... I CANNOT believe we are wrapping up the 3rd Winter Guard season for the Ellis Emeralds.  I am very excited about the trip coming up and I am even more excited about the dedication, hard work and preparation that I have seen from such a great group of young ladies.  :)

A few last minute details to help us as we get closer to departure.

• The Itinerary online is correct.  We do have the performance times that are within that block, but overall everything stays pretty much the same.  When you receive the official itinerary on Friday morning you will the exact time that we discussed posted.  Also, instead of going downtown for dinner, we will go for lunch, which will give us more time. In the meantime if you have questions ASK! 
• We discussed the possibility of going to Wild Horse as a group.  As of right now, enough people have not turned in their information.  If they do by this afternoon then we will go, if not then we will not.  I will let you know when I am positive. 
• TRAVEL FORMS ARE PAST DUE!!!!!!
• INTERSTATE:  There is a large delay on I-65 North around the Cullman exit.  It has been advised that we find an alternate route due to the fact the delay has taken up to 2 hours, which we do not have in our schedule.  It is only 20 more minutes according to google maps to go to Gadsden, get on I-59 and go North to Chattanooga then over to Nashville.  The total trip being 4 hours and 23 minutes as opposed to 4 hours. The downfall is that they are doing construction here as well and it is a one lane road... however, the traffic moves at a consistent pace here and will not slow us too much.  
• Friday Lunch.... We will still stop at Steak 'n shake on the way up.  We will just stop at a different location.  It is actually still about 30 minutes outside of Nashville like before...I will have a map for the location... it is right on the interstate.  (Symrna, TN)
• I also have your 2nd Green shirt if you ordered one.  If you did not order one and would like to get one.  I have SOME sizes but they are limited so act fast.  

I believe that is all for now.  See you Thursday, for another STELLAR rehearsal.

updates!

 

Please be sure to check out the Calendar link on the side.  

CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE!

 As school starts back I am a little sad the break is over, as I know most of you are too, however, I am very excited about the first week back.  We were able to get another practice in on Tuesday due to some changes to the high school girls schedule.  Please check the calendar and be sure that you know times and places and  what to wear.  If you have questions be sure to ask Lacey or me. 

Your performance at Killen was great.  The judges really had some good comments, both about things you did well and suggestions to make it better.  We have a few things to fix and improve upon (no major changes), but with some hard work and dedication you will have a good standing as we go to Nashville on Friday.  I am very excited about the trip with such a great group of young ladies and hope that we can find it to be VERY rewarding!  As you come back to school on Monday do all you can to get as focused on the task at hand as you possibly can.  We have not got a minute to spare.  

In case you did not notice.  The video is posted below from Brooks High School.  

I received an email from the SCGC director that stated that we would have official times available on Monday before 5pm.  I am hoping I get them sometime during the day and can plug in specific times so you can the final itinerary at Mondays rehearsal.   You will receive a packet on Friday morning when you arrive with a copy of the Itinerary, maps, address, etc.  that you will need for the trip. 

Ellis Emeralds @ Brooks

Above is the video from the Competition at Brooks High School in Killen, AL. 

You can watch the DD or DD+ on their blogs as well.
Enjoy!

Nashville Itinerary

Hi All.
The itinerary for Nashville has been posted on the calendar.  You can also link to it by clicking HERE.
Keep in mind it is a VERY rough draft, but should help you see what to expect to help you make plans for the trip. 
A detailed and up to date Itinerary will be posted on Monday, March 22, 2010,  when the official schedule is released by the SCGC.

The smiling game. :)

Hey girls!
I wanted to take some time and tell you that you had a productive practice on Thursday.
I have seen you do a lot of work in a small amount of time before so lets keep that speed so that you can have the best possible performances until the end of the season (and further)!

Bring positive, bubbly attitudes and smiling faces to practice this week so we can get a lot done!
And more importantly, Keep practicing over spring break! That could make all the difference come championships!

I don't get to tell you that much, but you all make me a very proud instructor and friend. :)

Thank you for your hard work!
<3 Lacey

Floor painting....

Anyone who would like to help add more paint splashes to the floor is welcome to help. We will be working on it Monday, March 8, 2010 right after practice.  You can stay a little while or until we finish.  We anticipate it will take a little over an hour, but hopefully we will be done by 7pm. 

Reminders!

We are over halfway through the season and have only one regular season competition left, then championships.  As we strive toward SCGC Championships, please practice at home and with each other in order to do your very best.  We want to have a great show at Killen this weekend, hopefully putting us in a great spot in Nashville.  For those of you who may not be aware, our scores help us get a better performance spot in Nashville.

I look forward to an OUTSTANDING trip to Nashville in a few weeks, hopefully bringing home a medal. We still have a few changes to make in order to make that last push to boost our score.  I will post a very rough draft of the Nashville Itinerary on the blog calendar next week.  If you are unable to see the links to the documents on the calendar, be sure to click on the event, then on details.  Another page should open that holds the information.

Anyone with remaining fees must have those paid by the Nashville Trip.  The money for the Hotel is due on Friday, March 12, 2010, before Spring Break.  Please be sure to get that in to secure your room.  Rooms will only be reserved that are paid for.  Students must stay at the same hotel as the group, however, parents may choose to stay at our hotel or somewhere on our own. 

Be sure to refer to the calendar often for updates and changes.  You will see next week that we have two practices just like normal and then our Friday run-through.  We will wear uniforms on FRIDAY's run through. Come to practice ready to work and on time.  In the room or in the bathroom changing is not on time; you must be dressed and ready to go at 3:30 in order to not be counted tardy. 

As things wrap up review your handbook and demerits.  Simple things such as being late for practice should not be a reason you miss one of the most exciting parts of the season.  Being great is hard work and the fun comes from being successful.  We have had a VERY successful season so far and I look forward to  the next few weeks.

The following quote came from a friend and I thought it was very truthful....."The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed" - Chinese Proverb

Push to the  END ... the reward will be GREAT!  :)

ORDERS DUE!

ALL Krispy Kreme Doughnut orders are due on MONDAY, March 8, 2010, before the end of the school day. 

Be sure that you have clearly marked ALL orders and collected the money for those orders placed.

Brooks High School; Killen, AL

Great job this weekend ladies.  A few kinks to work out, but overall great job!  Keep up the great work as we move toward the next competition at Brooks High School in Killen, AL.  Also, notice that practices this week are at THS due to scheduling conflict.  

Click Here for the Brooks High School; Killen, AL Itinerary.

If you have not looked at the Calendar on the side of the page... click on Calendar of Events.  Then click on any green writing on each date to view the information.  Click more details for links, etc.

See you tomorrow!

F.Y.I

Just to let you know.  The Hoover updates did not effect us.  The only thing that changed is that the Dega Darlins will go on at 8:03 instead of 8:05.  You can still use the itinerary that I gave you for Hoover.  It is linked in an earlier post if you lost it.  Scroll down.... :)

Google Calendar!

Hi Everyone!  I am very excited to offer a NEW feature to our blog.  Since the addition of page tabs to blogger, I have now added a page that has a calendar of events for the Ellis Emeralds.  Hopefully you will find this to be something of GREAT use to you.  I will update it often in an effort to stay connected with everyone and assist in keeping conflicts to a minimum. 

Look on the Right side of the page.  You will see Home and Calendar listed under PAGES. To view the Calendar simply click on the word 'calendar'.  When the Calendar page opens you will see events and times listed in GREEN.  To see the entire entry or to see specific details, click on the GREEN link on each day.

As we experiment with this new page please feel free to let me know of any problems that you are having.  

It is a work in progress, but one worth exploring for sure. 

New Schedule for HOOVER!

I received an email from the SCGC Contest director stating that the Hoover Competition would have time changes and could vary up to 20 minutes from what I originally gave you.  I am not sure in what direction the time changes will occur.  As soon as I have the NEW schedule I will get it to you. I should have it some time on Monday.

Flip Flop Friday.....

Food, Fun, Friends and of course..... Flip Flops!

What a great way to end a very busy week.  I hope that each Ellis Emerald had an enjoyable time with each other and the Dega Darlins and Dega Addition.  Hanging out, getting to know each other better and a little artsy project to finish off a VERY busy week and to look forward to an EVEN BUSIER ONE ahead.  I am looking forward to what lies ahead and I hope you are as well.  The Hoover Competition is just around the corner!  Get lots of rest this weekend so you will be rested for the BUSY week ahead!

Hoover Winter Odyssey

Invite your friends and family out to Hoover on February 27, 2010
to see you in action. The itinerary is located below in a previous post.

Our schedule is:
Ellis Emeralds 4pm
Dega Addition 4:55pm
Dega Darlins 8:05pm

We would like to have lots of friends and family there. This is the closest
competition to Talladega, so it might be the only chance some people get to see you live.
INVITE EVERYONE!

Upcoming practices

Hi Ladies.

Be sure to review the
schedule you received
in class regarding
practice schedule
for this week.

Monday at 4:00
Thursday at 4:30




If you are in the MPA band be sure to bring a snack for between
practices of band and guard.

Hoover Itinerary.

Click here to view the Hoover Itinerary!

I am looking forward to a GREAT trip!

Practice.

We will have practice on Monday. However, we will have it from 4:30-6:30 due to band rehearsal for the Tuesday night concert at both the high school and the middle school.

Don't forget about your Winter Guard shirt order forms. They are due Tuesday so we can get them in time for the next competition.

Also, we have had hotel sign up for Championships in Nashville. If you need to add something or change something let me know ASAP.

In the meantime. Practice. :)

Wow! What a whirlwind of a week you have had. It has been great watching you learn and grow this week, as well as except challenge after challenge with a smile on your face and with a great attitude. :) I am so proud of your first performance and you should be too. Congratulations on 1st place. You had a great score for your first time out. I am also VERY excited about the way you conducted yourselves at the competition. If I did not know I would not have guessed that it was your first performance. I look forward to Hoover on February 27th. Lots of work to do by then, but with your work ethic we will get it done. And, what a great fan base we had with us. It is so wonderful to have OUR parents yelling in the stands!

We will Have practice on Monday at ZEJH from 3:00-5:00. We will listen to judges tapes and watch the video, as well as begin to clean and fix some things. See you then!

Dega Darlins: 1st place

Dega Addition: 2nd Place

Ellis Emeralds: 1st place

Oak Grove Competition week!

Hi Ladies!

Be sure that you keep up with the schedule for this week! We are busy, busy with trying to finish the show and get everything done we need to do. Please be sure that you are practicing at home. At this point everyone should have the song or should have brought me a C.D to make you a copy. However, if not then you need to do so ASAP. We cannot move ahead if we are constantly re-teaching. Please do your homework! Practices will be at ZEJH unless told otherwise.

Your first performance of the season is coming up on Saturday. Your performance time is 2:05 if you would like to invite people to come and see you perform. I know that you will do amazing, I just also know that we have a lot to do.

ALL practices are important, however, practice on Monday and Thursday is VITAL. Please come ready to work. We have a lot to add and perfect before Saturday, but you guys are more than capable. I look forward to a GREAT week!

Oh yeah... and each of you should be trying out for honorband. Tryouts are on Tuesday, the 26th! Of course, you have a competition on the day of honorband, but this would be a great way for you to see how you are doing in the BIG scheme of things. Tryouts are the scales we have been practicing in class and sightreading. Sign up with Ms. Todd on Monday! It is $7.00 to audition.

Queen of Hearts pageant is something you might be interested in as well.
If you would like to participate in the pageant forms are due on the 27th. (the form may have said the 22nd, but they have extended it due to a misprint)

See you Monday.

updates

Hi Ladies.

Your first performance is in just two weeks. We have a lot going on and a lot left to do. Be sure that you are at rehearsals and that you are practicing at home.

Just a reminder that you have practice on Monday, January 18, 2010, at ZEJH from 3:00-6:00pm.

The week of Oak Grove Competition we will have more rehearsals than normal so that we can be as prepared as possible for the first event. We will have rehearsal on Monday, January 25, 2010, afterschool until 5:30. Thursday, January 28, 2010 after school until 5:30. Friday after school until 5:00 for final preparations and as many full runs as possible. (in uniform)

I also encourage each of you to try-out for Talladega County honorband tryouts on the 26th at Talladega High school.

See you tomorrow!

practice reminder!

Just a Reminder!
We will have practice tomorrow (1/11)
from 3:40-5:30
at THS
in the lunchroom.

You will also have practice on Thursday (1/14)
from 3:40-5:00
I will let you know where.

Since we missed last weeks practice, we have to make it up this week.
see you there!

practice

Because school is dismissing early due to weather, Thursdays practice will be canceled and rescheduled for Monday after school. Practice will be at THS from 3:40-5:30.

Practice 1/7/09

Hi!

I hope that you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With school starting back this week, I wanted to let you know that practice will be on Thursday (1/7/09) at the high school from 3:40-5:30pm. If the gym at Zora Ellis becomes available and we can practice there I will let you know before Thursday.

Please remember to bring your flag pole.

For this practice we need for some of you to wear a white shirt and for some of you to wear a black shirt. Please refer to the list below. The color of shorts or pants doesn't matter.

Black shirt
Grace
Ashleigh
Savannah
Andrea
Lindsey
Gabby
Anna

White Shirt
Alex
Amber
Cate Joseph
Destiny
Kayla
Jessica

In an email earlier this week I attempted to let you know that we will not be practicing Tuesday (1/5) due to some scheduling conflicts. It has been brought to my attention that the email was not received. So just to clarify. We will have practice on Thursday, not Tuesday and not both. Sorry for the confusion. The gym should be more available soon where we can set a consistent day and time, which should resolve these issues.
See you Tuesday!