Dear Spectrum Music Families,
 
Welcome to the Spectrum Music Department! We have an exciting year of performance opportunities and community initiatives ahead of us… many of which have become traditions for returning students. My name is Parker Jolliffe, I have the great privilege of directing our Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Choir and Guitar lab here at Spectrum Community School.
 
I send out a monthly newsletter to keep you apprised of all that we do here in the department i.e. Concerts, Fundraising opportunities, Collaborations etc. You can reach me via this email or by calling the school: 250-479-8271 ext.512. Email is checked during the weekdays and I try to respond as quickly as possible.
 
We have a fantastic group of Parents that support our endeavours. With their help, we have amassed a lovely collection of high quality professional instruments, curated a large music library and hosted numerous fundraising choices to help our students' music trip accounts. If you wish to take part in this group, feel free to join us Thursday, September 14th @ Quality Foods Eagle Creek (Upstairs) 7pm.
 
The most pressing event to date is our Spectrum Uniform Fitting Night(s). Please follow the link to sign up for a date of your choosing.
 
Enclosed are the following links that will help guide you in becoming acclimated to our Department. I encourage you to bookmark the website as it contains all the information to make our:
 
Spectrum Music Department Website
 
Spectrum Band Parents Welcome
 
Spectrum Music Weekly Timetable
 
Spectrum Music Important Dates
 
Fundraising Opportunities
 
That is all for now, looking forward to a stellar year!
 
Parker Jolliffe B.Mus, M.Mus
 
Director of Bands, Choir & Guitar
 
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Rd W.
Victoria, BC
250-479-8271 ext. 512
www.spectrumband.ca

Hello Spectrum Music Families!
I apologize for the late email, a weeks long illness really had me licked and has put me behind the 8 ball.  As a result, this email will lack gratitude and appreciation but I would be remiss without saying THANK YOU to everyone who got their spectrum musician to the parade and a double THANK YOU to all the parents who helped with Braiding and sweeping. I truly appreciate all of your help!
I have enclosed the following links regarding our upcoming Parade and final concerts for Spectrum Music Department :) Please do not hesitate to sign up as seating is reserved, first come first served. Both concerts are going to be FANTASTIC! 
A follow up email will be sent this Sunday regarding Uniform Payment along with our Uniform and Instrument Return procedures. 
OAK BAY TEA PARTY INSTRUCTIONS
OAK BAY TEA PARTY VOLUNTEERS
Thursday, June 8th: A Celebration Concert (Jr and Sr Concert Band)
Friday, June 16th: A Final Concert (Jazz & Choir)


I am looking forward to two incredible nights of music and a fun parade!


Sincerely,
Parker Jolliffe B.mus M.mus
Director of Bands, Choir & Guitar Lab
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca

Hi Spectrum Music Families!
And just like that, it is almost May! I am super proud of what our students in the Music Department have accomplished this year. Including our Musical run, students have participated in over 15 performances with several to go. It has been an absolute privilege working with them everyday!
A huge congratulations to the Spectrum Concert Choir. Right before Spring Break, Spectrum performed on the closing night of Vic Sings, Victoria's biennial Choir festival. This was the first time Spectrum had participated in over 20 years and we were met with smiles, adulation and lots of support from our family of schools. Well done Choir!
HEAPS of thanks to Kindree, Christine, Allison, Mike and Tarrie for travelling with us through BC and Alberta. It was a lot of fun and was made all the better in your company! 51 students performed flawlessly and truly embodied what it means to be a part of a music program :)
A big welcome to Uvic Music Ed. candidate Alyshia Joinson who is joining us for a 6 week practicum in the music room. She is excited to return to her alma mater and we're thrilled to have her!
We have a few special dates that I ask you to re-visit for our remaining months at Spectrum.
Thursday, April 27th: West Coast Jazz Festival (Email has been sent out)
Monday, May 22nd: Victoria Day Parade. Full Program Participates, as marked down in your "Important Dates" September Pack out, Parades are part of our performance schedule.
Saturday, June 3rd: Oak Bay Tea Party Parade. Full Program Participates, as marked down in your "Important Dates" September Pack out, Parades are part of our performance schedule.
Thursday, June 8th: Final Concert for Large Ensembles (Jr. & Sr. Concert Band)
Friday, June 16th: Final Concert Jazz Bands & Choir
It has been a wonderful year, I look forward to our final months of Music making. Thanks again for supporting your student in their pursuit of music in their lives. WIthout that nudge, we wouldn't be here!
--
Parker Jolliffe B.Mus, M.Mus
Director of Bands, Choir & Choir
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca

Hi Spectrum Music Families!
The Spectrum Music Department has always enjoyed participating at West Coast Jazz Festival, making this our 18th Annual excursion to date. Junior and Senior Jazz Band are slated to perform at 8:25am and 8:50am respectively on Thursday, April 27th.
Students may (or may not) have filled you in on our schedule shuffling at the West Coast Jazz Festival. The changes reflect a VERY early departure time but (in the end) a much more agreeable return to Victoria at 11am (as opposed to 7pm).
Students have been told that the Bus to Nanaimo is departing at 6:30am, wheels moving and packed. I recommend students arrive at 6:15am sharp in the band room. Students are encouraged to bring a change of clothes in which they can store in the music room and a lunch for the bus ride up (or down). Students are asked to arrive in their uniform: Black shoes, Black Socks, Black Pants, White Shirt, Blue vest and tie (JR) or Red vest and Tie (Sr.)
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding!
Parker Jolliffe

Hi Spectrum Music Families!
After 17 years of teaching, the arrival of March continues to catch me by surprise! It marks the finale of Semester 1 classes, our mainstage musical and the arrival of springtime opportunities! For new families, April is typically Tour and Festival participation along with our seasonal Parades (Victoria Day and Oak Bay Tea Party).
A HUGE CONGRATS to members of our Cast, Crew AND Pit Orchestra for delivering two hilarious productions of "Freaky Friday." I encourage you all to grab tickets whilst they are still available and join us for our final shows: Friday, March 10, Saturday March 11th and Sunday March 12th Matinee. Information available on the school website.
Fundraising
Thank you to Tarrie and Allison for spearheading our first bottle drive (since the pandemic) Thank you parents and students for getting out in the weather and making some money for your band trip. Allocations will be dispersed once we've received totals from the Bottle Depot.
Springtime Mothers Day Hanging Baskets is back. This fundraiser is open to all students and is (once again) geared towards helping students make money towards their band trip accounts. Grade 9 and 10 Famlilies, its never too early to start building up your account for future trips. I have enclosed the forms in this email, a hardcopy will be handed out for Wednesday and Thursdays classes of this week. Please check the bottom of your childs backpack for said handout :)
2023 Band Tour
Thank you for submitting your band payments on time. Our Final Payment from you is Due Thursday, March 16th. Many of you have been waiting patiently for our Finalized Itinerary. We have been waiting for our last Elementary to commit to our performance. A HEFTY Tour Package will be sent home, Monday, March 13th. This will include a Medical Form, Medication Consent Form, Packing List, Itinerary w/ contacts and our Travel Expectations agreement etc.
Direct Deposit has been initiated. If you wish to E-transfer, please use the following email: sbp2022.23@gmail.com
On the Horizon
Thursday, March 9th Vic Sings (This is the first time I've ever done this... and I had no idea the Elementary schools would scoop up all the tickets...my apologies!)
March 10th, 11th, 12th: Spectrum Mainstage "Freaky Friday!"
March 16th: Colquitz Band 8 visits Spectrum Music Department (9am-11:30am)
April 10th-15th: 2023 Band Tour
April 17th: Junior Concert Band GVPAF @ Oak Bay (Times to be Disclosed)
April 18th: Senior Concert Band GVPAF @ Oak Bay (Afternoon to be disclosed)
Thats all for now, have a great week (and if I don't see you, enjoy your much deserved Spring Break!)
Sincerely,
--
Parker Jolliffe B. Mus, M. Mus
Director of Bands, Guitar & Choir
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca

Good afternoon Spectrum Music Families! 
With a blink of an eye, we are in February and just a few days into Semester 2!
 
As most of the Music Department is linear, there are not many changes to the daily schedule with the exception of Band 9 and 10 (who have completed the "Semester Shuffle"). Band 9 now meets Tuesdays, Thursdays, Even Fridays Block A... Band 10 now meets Mondays, Wednesdays, Even Fridays Block A.
 
Spectrum's newest course offering has officially commenced: Guitar Lab. I couldn't be more pleased to see 24 students partaking in a musical enrichment available to our school population. A HUGE THANK YOU to our Spectrum Band Parents group for purchasing these guitars and making this musical opportunity possible for the student body!
 
As mentioned in our January Edition, I have created a link for both the payment schedule and FAQ document for those committed to this year's Music Tour. I ask that you review this list and contact me should you have any questions. Most importantly: A tour of this size equates to very large invoices that we cannot afford to cover if payments are late. It puts us in a very difficult position. Please make sure you note the due dates from this document and remit these payments on time.
 
Spectrum Band Parents have organized a no sort Music Tour Bottle Drive for February 28th. Proceeds of this Bottle Drive will be applied to members signed up for the Tour. Parent involvement doubles the amount ie. One student and Parent driver receives double. 
Bottle Drive Link
 
On the Horizon
 
February 11th: Belmont Choral Collab 
(Choirs from 9 schools will meet at Belmont Secondary for a day of sharing, collaboration and singing, we are very excited!)
 
March 9th: Vic Sings! The first time in 4 years, Vic Sings returns... and this will be the first time Spectrum has ever participated. We are thrilled!
 
April 25th: Vancouver Island Concert Band Festival (Jr and Sr CB at Oak Bay)
April 27th: West Coast Jazz Festival (Jr and Sr Jazz Band)
 
--
Parker Jolliffe B.Mus, M. Mus
 
Director of Bands, Choir & Guitar
Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca

Dear Spectrum Music Families,

​Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed some time with family and friends. Reflecting over the break, I cannot overstate how proud I am of new and returning students. I am thrilled we accomplished so much in under 4 months and it is a testament to the rigor and dedication of our students. BRAVO!  

The mark of a new year signals a new era. Our senior students are preparing for their final semester (*tear*) and the Music Department is settling into routine. Every ensemble has arrived from holidays with new energy and excitement... rehearsals ultra-productive, every ensemble sounding more confident than ever. Musicianship at an all time high.

The final week of January includes Numeracy/Literacy Assessments as well as Copernican Blocks across the board. All told, we are entering "Quiet Week". In support of our students completing the first semester of Academic classes, the schedule changes as follows:

Monday, Jan 23rd: Regular Schedule (All rehearsals running)
Tuesday, Jan 24th: Literacy Assessments (NO MORNING Rehearsal, Classes running per usual)
Wednesday, Jan 25th: Literacy Assessments (NO MORNING Rehearsal, Classes running per usual)
Thursday, Jan 26th: Block A 9:00am-11:00am, Music room is open for studying, review, course completion . Block D 12:00-2PM (NO MORNING Rehearsal)
Friday, Jan 27th: Block B 9:00am-11:00am, Music room is open for studying, review, course completion . Block D 12:00-2PM (NO MORNING Rehearsal)
Monday, January 30th: Curriculum Completion Day. Families will receive communication from a Teacher if a student is required to finish on this day.
Tuesday, February 1st: Semester Turn Around. Students are not in the building.

Please follow this link for updates and information regarding our Alberta Tour.

That is all for now, have a great rest of the week!
--
Parker Jolliffe B.Mus ,M.Mus

Director of Bands & Choir

Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca

Hi Spectrum Music Families,
Please find enclosed a quick form to complete for this Mondays Elementary Tour. In it, is also our rough itinerary. We are looking forward to sharing some music with our Elementary students and spreading some holiday cheer!
Link here
Sincerely,
Parker Jolliffe

Hi Spectrum Music Families,


As promised, enclosed is a link to our Parade Information. This will be the 40th Annual Peninsula Co-op (Formerly Island Farms) Santa Parade. It is the largest Western Parade this side of Manitoba. We are proud to be the only school on the island to brave the weather and contribute to a festive occasion! Although we will be reading this in class, it is important to read as a family unit. Please take the time to go over details with your music student. I encourage families to carpool and plan ahead to avoid a lot of the busyness downtown.


2022 Santa Parade Informational Link
Morning Rehearsals: Tuesday, November 22nd, Wednesday, November 23rd, Thursday November 24th (if Necessary)
Our Band is 90 people strong this year and a band of this size can only sound its best when everyone is accounted for. This means EVERYONE is important and missing people put holes in the order in which we move together and make music. Rehearsals begin at 7:35 sharp. Dress for the weather (rain jacket, old shoes/rain boots). Parents, please encourage/carry/gently toss said student into the vehicle in anticipation of arriving on time . As discussed in class, these performances are part of a music students grade and receive credit for maintaining the rigours of a performance-based program. It is Team Effort and we have fun doing it. Thank you for your understanding and encouragement. 


We usually have a few parents that walk with us during the parade route should something drop/blow apart/fall etc... If you are interested in taking part feel free to tag along! (If you have a vehicle) that can carry our Banner to the Parade area (i can drive it back) I would be forever grateful.


That is all for now, looking forward to great rehearsals!
--
Parker Jolliffe B.Mus, M.Mus

Director of Bands & Choir
​Spectrum Community School
957 Burnside Road West
Victoria, BC V8Z 6E9

Tel: 250-479-8271  ext.512
pjolliffe@sd61.bc.ca
www.spectrumband.ca