Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

(Posted at 4:15 p.m. on June 23, 2009)

Because of your incredible support someone took another look and it became clear that a mistake was made in my layoff notice. I have been reinstated as the band director at Sawgrass Springs Middle School and I could not be more happy and excited. I really owe all of you a tremendous debt of gratitude. I especially want to thank band parent Yossi Har-Nov for believing in me enough to make all those phone calls and send those emails. Your response has been truly overwhelming. I am very humbled by your show of support, and I promise to do everything I can to show my appreciation. I want to help all of you have a really great year (or more) in band.

Let's move on now and start thinking about next year. I want it to be the best ever, so please practice your long tones, scales and exercises. Also get together with friends and play in ensembles. I did that last Saturday and it was just about the most fun party I ever attended.

Finally, think about what really cool thing you would like to see the band do this year and we will take a good look at your ideas. You might come up with something that's never been done before that could be very meaningful to all our students and even affect our community in a positive way. Don't place limits on it. Just email me whatever idea comes up. (sawgrassband@yahoo.com )

I really, really look forward to seeing you again in August.

Your friend and band director,

Ron Helm

For your convenience, our performance history back to 2003 is posted on this page.

2008-2009

Pep Band at Open House- September 4, 2008

Pep Band at Principal's Meeting- September 25, 2008

Seventh and eighth grade bands at football Game at Coral Glades High School - October 3, 2008

Community Outreach Event at SSMS- October 4, 2008

Walk to School Day at SSMS- October 8, 2008

Parade at Eagle Ridge Elementary School- October 31, 2008

Seventh and eighth grade bands at second football Game at Coral Glades High School- October 3, 2008

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for National Philanthropy Day Celebration, November 13, 2008

Congratulations to the following four band students who earned a chair in the Broward All County Jazz Band. Adam Kuffner, Ian Lasky, Matthew Sullivan(1st chair) and Eyal Urim, (1 st Chair). They performed in an exciting concert at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on Tuesday, November 25, 2008.

Jazz Band at the Bank Atlantic Center for the Incredible Ice “Panthers Figure Skating Club-Dance, Dance, Dance” show, December 3, 2008 featuring Olympic Skaters Kimmy Misner and Todd Eldridge

Jazz Band at Coral Springs Center for the Arts for “Friends of Music Holiday House”, December 4, 2008

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Banquet, December 10, 2008

All Bands in concert at Coral Springs Center for the Arts, December 15, 2008

All Bands in Coral Springs Holiday Parade, December 17, 2008
Earned “Best Middle School Band” trophy for the seventh year in a row

A special congratulations to Ronald Laracuente who was one of only three Broward County middle school students who earned a chair in the Florida All State Band. He rehearsed and performed with other top students from around the state in Tampa during January 8-10, 2009.

Congratulations to Alan Greisel, Trombone, Adam Kuffner, Trumpet, Ronald Laracuente, Trumpet (First Chair),David Starr, Clarinet, Matt Sullivan, Tenor Sax, Eyal Urim, Trombone, and Ashley Wood, Alto Sax. These students earned a chair in the 2008-2009 Broward All County Band and performed in a very successful concert at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on January 21, 2009.

Jazz Band at SSMS for National Junior Honor Society, January 22, 2009

Jazz Band at Hyatt Hotel for Junior Achievement Banquet, February 26, 2009

Jazz Band at Cypress Bay High School Music Performance Assessment
Earned a “Superior” rating, February 19, 2009

Jazz Band at Coral Springs High School at a dinner for cancer survivors and their helpers, April 17.

All bands in parade at Universal Orlando, April 22, 2009

Concert Band at Deerfield Beach High School Music Performance Assessment
Earned a “Superior” rating, April 24, 2009

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Banquet (north area), April 27, 2009

Thirty top SSMS band students on stage with the New York group, “Fireworks” in a special presentation of “Cartoon”, April 28, 2009

Jazz Band at Westchester Elementary for matriculation concert, April 30, 2009

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Banquet (south area), May 4, 2009

All Bands in concert at Coral Springs Center for the Arts, May 13, 2009

All bands perform in Land Shark Stadium for the Florida Marlins, May 18, 2009

Jazz Band at Pompano Beach High School for the North Area Awards Luncheon, May 22, 2009

Jazz Band at SSMS for teachers and parents, June 1, 2009

2007-2008

Jazz Band at Walmart Neighborhood Grand Opening, October 17, 2007

Football Game with Coral Glades High School Band , October 26, 2007

Parade at Eagle Ridge Elementary School, October 31, 2007

Two students in All County Jazz Band, November 21, 2007
............(Kirsten Coleman and Christian Marrero

Coral Springs Holiday Parade (Best Band Trophy) , December 12, 2007

All Bands in Concert at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, December 13, 2007

Jazz Band at Broward Association of School Psychologists, Jacaranda Country Club, December 21

Jazz and Pep Band at Kreul Classic Basketball Tournament (Nationally televised), December 22, 2007

One student in the All State Band (Christian Marrero), January 10, 2007

Nine students in the All County Concert Band, January 24, 2008; Alanna Browdy, Elliott Brown,
Olivia Burley,Madison Flager, Ashley Forlenza, Ronald Laracuente, Christian Marrero,
Sarah Newman, Melissa Sandler

Pep Band at "Wild in the Park" Walkathon at SSMS, January 26, 2008

Jazz Band at Broward County Library, Coral Springs Branch, February 19, 2008

Deerfield Founder's Day Parade (Best Band Trophy), February 16, 2008

Jazz Band Music Performance Assessment at Flanagan High School, February 20, 2008
(Straight A+ Superior Performance)

FBA Solo/Ensemble at Seminole MS, February 21-22, 2008( Superior medals to nearly all) Ronald ............Laracuente,Yash Soni, Kayla Czelatdko, Minji Ban, Alanna Browdy, Maddie Flager, Emily ............Forlenza, Joseph Guzzi, Matthew Konis, Christian Marrero, Sarah Newman, Maggie Nolan, ............Melissa Sandler, Cameron White, Ashley Wood

Orange Blossom Parade, Davie (Best Band Trophy), February 23, 2008

Concert Band Music Performance Assessment at Dillard High School, April 18, 2008
(Straight A+ Superior Performance)

Parade at Universal Orlando(All parades, 6th, 7th, and 8th), April 23, 2008

Jazz Band Outback Steakhouse Fundraiser (SSMS), April 24, 2008

Performed with the Dallas Brass at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, April 25, 2008

Jazz Band at Broward County Heart Ball-St. Regis Resort, April 26, 2008

Jazz Band at Broward County Athletic Association Banquet, April 28, 2008

Jazz Combo at the Coral Springs Museum of Art, May 2, 2008

Jazz Band at John Knox Village, May 3, 2008

Jazz Band at Broward County Athletic Association Banquet (2), May 5, 2008

Jazz Band at Westchester Elementary, May 12 , 2008

All Bands in the Spring Concert at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, May 14, 2008

Special Ensemble plays the Stars and Stripes Forever with the Nova Southeastern University Singers, May 16, 18, 20, 27, 2008; Alanna Browdy,Kirsten Coleman, Emily Forlenza, Ronald Laracuente, Christian Marrero, Sarah Newman, Melissa Sandler, Rey Ulusoy

Perform Star Spangled Banner at Marlins Game (evening), May 21 , 2008

Jazz band at Eighth Grade Awards Night, June 3, 2008

2006-2007

Football Game with Coral Glades HS Band, October 5, 2006

Parade Band at Eagle Ridge Elementary Festival, October 27, 2006

Football Game with Coral Glades HS Band, October 27, 2006

Jazz Band at All County Music, October 28, 2006

Jazz Band at John Knox Village, November 4, 2006

Jazz Band at Coral Square Mall, November 19, 2006

All Bands in Concert, Stoneman Douglas HS, December 8, 2006

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Awards, December 12, 2006

Three students in All County Jazz Band, November 21, 2006

(Nick Labarbera, Michael Kassem, and Christian Marrero)

Nine students in All County Concert Band, January 18, 2007

(Kirsten Coleman, Libbie Dailey, Nick Labarbera, Christian Marrero, Jonathan Muller, Sarah Newman, Melissa Sandler, Albertt Scalone, and Sydney Weinberg)

Parade Band at Deerfield Founder's Day, February 17, 2007

(First place trophy)

Jazz Band MPA at Plantation HS, February 21, 2007

(Awarded Excellent rating)

FBA Solo/Ensemble at Coral Springs MS, February 23, 2007

( Superior medals to nearly all-Alana Browdy, Libbie Dailey, Alexa Echeverra, Maddie Flager, Joe Guzzi, Christian Marrero, Austin McMahon, Liam Michels, Sarah Newman, Maggie Nolan, Melissa Sandler, Shira Urim, Sydney Weinberg, and Cameron White)

Parade Band at Davie Orange Blossom Festival, February 24, 2007

(First place trophy over several high school bands)

Parade Band and Drumline at SSMS PTA Fundraiser,February 24, 2007

Jazz Band at African-American History Program, February 22, 2007

Jazz Band at Westchester Elementary, March 12, 2007

Jazz Band at Good Hope Manor, March 15, 2007

Concert Band MPA at Flanagan HS, March 21, 2007

(Awarded Superior rating)

Jazz Band for Juvenile Diabetes Research, March 24, 2007

Drumline at Westglades MS (food drive), March 29, 2007

Jazz Band at Broward County Library (CS Branch), April 16, 2007

Jazz Band Outback Steakhouse Fundraiser (SSMS), April 24, 2007

Parade Band at Universal, Orlando, April 25, 2007

Jazz Band for the March of Dimes at Birch State Park, April 28, 2007

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Awards, April 30, 2007

All Bands in Concert, Stoneman Douglas HS, May 4, 2007

Jazz Band at Signature Grand for BCAA Awards, May 7, 2007

Parade Band at Dolphins Stadium for Marlins Game, May 10, 2007

Jazz Band for CS Friends of Music, La Quinta Inn, May 19, 2007

Jazz Band at John Knox Village, May 20, 2007 in Concert with

The Red Rocket Big Band (Judge Schiff is a member)

2005-2006

“Best MS Band”-Coral Springs Holiday Parade (fifth year in a row).

“Best Band”-Davie Orange Blossom Parade (three out of four years).

“Superior”-Jazz Performance Assessment.

Superior”-Concert Performance Assessment.

Superior”-Most solo/ensemble entries.

Five students in All County Jazz Band.

Seven students in All County Concert Band.

Alyssa Weiner in All State Band.

Performed for three Broward County Athletic Association Banquets.

Performed at Four Florida Panthers games.

Played the national anthem at a Florida Marlins game.

Five hour workshop and concert with Gary Langford of U. of Florida.

Performed with the Dallas Brass at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

Performed in a parade at Universal Orlando.

Performed for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and many other events and concerts throughout the community including a state skating tournament at Incredible Ice.

Last concert: May 19 at Coral Springs High School, 7:00 p.m.

2004 -2005

Thursday, December 9, 2004

Coral Springs Holiday Parade

Seventh and Eighth Graders will report to the Coral Springs Charter School between 5 and 6 p.m. on Thursday with their instruments out of the case and ready to play,
dressed in totally black shoes, totally black pants and an official SSMS band shirt.
A shuttle bus will take them to the Burger King at Sample Road and Coral Springs Drive. Students can be driven there before 5 p.m., but after that the roads will be closed (from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.). It might be possible to drop them off after 5:00 at the Coral Springs City Center and they can walk to Burger King. Our staging number is 18, so we will be near the front of the parade. Make very specific plans where to meet after the parade. Example: the south door of Publix, Carl's Pharmacy, or? The band will be dismissed in the Village Square parking lot.

Drums and sousaphones will be delivered to the staging area for the students.

Parade organizers do not want lots of parents walking along with the band. A good place to watch the parade is near the judge's stand on the east side. Not much happens on the west side because bands are gearing up for the judge's review.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

SSMS Band Winter Concert

Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in concert;
dressed in totally black shoes, totally black pants and and an official SSMS band shirt. Location: Stoneman Douglas High School Auditorium .
(Coral Springs Drive by the Sawgrass Expressway) Students in place by 6:45 p.m. The official start time is 7 p.m., ending at about 8:30 p.m. Sixth graders will join seventh and eighth graders for a rousing grand finale.
Please do not take them home early. Much parent help is needed. Please call Mr. Helm at 754-322-4522 or send an email to ssmsband12500@yahoo.com. Please observe expected concert etiquette.
These band students have worked very hard and deserve our utmost respect. October/04October 13- Seventh and Eighth graders perform with the Coral Glades High School Band at Coral Glades High School. Arrive at Coral Glades at 6 p.m. in uniform (Black pants, Black shoes, and last year's band shirt). Students should be finished around 8:30 p.m. Drums and sousaphones will be transported by Mr. Helm. All others must bring their instruments. Have a small parka if the weather looks questionable. October 6-Jazz 1 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
to help honor Mrs. Halberg, SSMS Chorus/Orchestra Director and
Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year.
I have wonderful invitations available. Just ask. September/04 Open House on September 9-Jazz 1 Performs September 20-March-A-Thon Kick-Off
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it is very easy to do. Please encourage your child to participate. Our activities would be severely limited if not for this event.
All each student needs to do is address a few company prepared notes
to friends and relatives, then march with us during class at a later time.
No money or products will be handled. Parent help is needed. August/04

All summer rental instruments must be returned by August 18.Sixth grade instrument fitting will take place in the band room on Tuesday, August 24 during class. No other activity dates are currently available.
June/04

May/04

Monday, May 3 - JAZZ BAND - 8AM to 10:30 AM
Play for Westchester Elementary School in OUR cafeteria. Monday, May 3 - JAZZ BAND - 4 PM to 8 PM
Signature Grand in Davie. Parents needed to ride the bus. All County Band Schedule Tuesday, May 4 - 6:30-9:00 PM....Dillard S.O.T.A.
Thursday, May 6 - 6:30-9:00 PM....Coral Springs City Center
Friday, May 7 - 8:00 AM-3:00 PM....Coral Springs City Center
Friday, May 7 - 10:30 AM....SEAS Concert....Coral Springs City Center
Friday, May 7 - 7:00 PM....Parent Concert....Coral Springs City Center
Public is invited at no charge .
Monday, May 10 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM .
A showcase of music in the JP Taravella High School Auditorium featuring band and orchestra students playing solos, ensembles and a full symphonic orchestra. (Strings winds and percussion). This is highly unusual for middle school. Prepare to be very impressed.
Wednesday, May 12 - JAZZ ENSEMBLE - 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Our jazz band will join the Ramblewood jazz band in the RAMBLEWOOD MS Cafeteria (NEW LOCATION) for a great evening of fun music. One of the Taravella bands will also be there.

LAST UPDATE ON THE DISNEY TRIP

Saturday, May 15 - 4:30 AM (yes, 4:30 AM!!!)
Marching Band - ALL IN UNIFORM
Walt Disney World Main Street Parade

Be at school at 4:30 AM. EVERY STUDENT MUST BE IN THEIR FULL UNIFORM. Please be sure to wear black dress pants (no black jeans), all black shoes, black socks and official 2004 band shirt.

We'll leave from school at 4:40 AM in charter buses and we should be back by 11 PM.
Our performance should be at 10 AM. Staging is at 8:30 AM.The school gates will not be open before 4:15.

AGAIN...
The Disney staff will not allow any student to march who is out of uniform.
REMINDER: Uniform is black dress pants (no black jeans), all black shoes, black socks and official 2004 band shirt.

Trip Forms must be completed and turned in with payment by April 29
(You can download the forms right here by just clicking on the form name) Trip Information
Band Behavior Requirements Form
Trip Authorization Form

Friday, May 21- 7:00 Final Band Concert of the Year at JP Taravella High School Auditorium
All Bands will perform.
This is a concert that will be well above expectations.
The students have worked very hard this
year and will be presenting music that is extrememly difficult.

Don't miss it!

Monday, May 24 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMBand students who memorize the Star Spangled Banner will be allowed to go with us
to play it at Pro Player Stadium for the Marlins baseball game that begins at 1:00 PM .
This is a great and unusual honor for a middle school band.
Several Parents needed to ride the buses. Download Flyer
Wednesday, May 26 -JAZZ ENSEMBLE - 4 PM to 8:00
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Parents needed to ride the bus.

That is the last chance you have to see this wonderfull
group of students playing together.
It will be a MUST SEE PERFORMANCE!!April/04

Thursday, April 15- All County Band Auditions at Dillard High School
Requirements are the same as All State. Students wishing to try this should be practicing scales every day. Prepared pieces should be well known and musicianship should be at a high level.
Thursday, April 22-JAZZ ENSEMBLE -2:15 - 2:45 PM
Perform for teacher meeting in the media center, no uniform, Monday, April 26-JAZZ ENSEMBLE - 4:00 - 8 PM
Signature Grand in Davie. Parents needed to ride the bus., Thursday, April 29

Forms and payment due for Disney trip.
(You can download the forms right here by just clicking on the form name)

Trip Information
Band Behavior Requirements Form
Trip Authorization Form

March/04

Thursday, March 4 - Jazz Music Performance Assessment
(Leave school at 3PM, perform at 4:00PM) Friday and Saturday, March 5 & 6 - Solo/Ensemble Evaluation
Students from all three grade levels are encouraged to participate. Soloists must have a piano accompanist in order to perform. Ensembles generally do not need an accompanist. Medals are awarded for superior performances. Thursday, March 11 - 7 - 9 PMRehearsal with All County Band director Michele Fernandez in our band room.
Parents are welcome. It will be amazing. NOT IN UNIFORM! Friday, March 19- JAZZ ENSEMBLE at Paarkside Elementary from 7:30 to 11:30 AM
ALL IN UNIFORM
We need to leave school at 7:45 AM to travel to Parkside Elementary. They wish to give the kids breakfast and get us started shortly after that. We should return by 10:30 AM.
We have a bus, but it will be nice to have a back up plan in place.
Please let Mr.Helm know if you can drive students that morning. Saturday, March 20 - Jazz Ensemble 8 - 10 AM
ALL IN UNIFORMJuvenile Diabetes Foundation fundraiser show near Sawgrass Mills.
This will be a pretty big deal with the Dolphins cheerleaders, several team mascots
and a whole lot more.
Students are on their own to get to the Sawgrass International Corporate Park.
The school will not be open to us. Please be there at 8 AM as we begin playing at 8:30 AM.
Parents should plan on spending this time with us. It should be very interesting.
To find the location, go south on the Sawgrass Expressway and exit onto Sunrise Blvd., then
turn right in front of the big Ford dealership into the corporate park.
A policeman will direct you where to go. Friday, March 26 - Jazz Ensemble 7:30 to 9 PM
ALL IN UNIFORMBattle of the bands at Coral Springs High School as part of a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Students are on their own to get to Coral Springs High Scool (Sample Rd & Rock Island Rd).
We will be performing from 8 to 8:30 PM on the football field. Please be there by 7:30 PM.
CSHS band will perform right after us, so it would be good to stay and listen. Wednesday, March 31 - FBA District Music Performance Assessment
ALL IN UNIFORMWarm-up - 3:00 p.m.
Stage Performance - 3:30 p.m.
Sight-reading - 4:00 p.m.

A picture will be taken immediately after, then students will observe other bands until 5:30 p.m.
Parents will need to pick up students at Taravella. There will be no bus back to SSMS.

GO GATORS!
(Last year we earned a "straight A' superior)

February/04

Thursday, February 26 African/American History 6-9 PMSaturday, February 28 - Orange Blossom Parade in Davie 8 AM - 1 PM

January/04

January 6 - Many of our finest students will be performing together with the Dallas Brass at the
Coral Springs City Center. January 8, 9 & 10 - FMEA All State Bands meet in Tampa, Florida
Winning students already announced.Check the FMEA site in the Cool Links page. Friday, January 23 - North Area Band Concert

Rehearsals Schedule:

Tuesday, Jan. 20…6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ramblewood Middle SchoolThursday, Jan. 22…6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Ramblewood Middle School

All Day Rehearsal: Friday, Jan. 23….8:30 to 3:00
Location: Coral Springs High School Auditorium

Concert: Friday, Jan. 23, 2004…..7:00 p.m.
Location: Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School

2003-2004

December/03

Saturday, December 6 - All County Music Holiday Celebration
The Jazz Ensemble will be playing at 11:30 AM. Students mus be there at 11 AM. Tuesday, December 16 - Holiday Concert for all bands at J.P. Taravella H.S.
Jazz Band will start playing at 6:30 PM - All other students should be in place at 6:45 PM
At the end of the program all students will perform one number together.
Sixth grade parents will be surprised. Don't miss it!! Wednesday, December 17 - Holiday Parade in Coral Springs (Sample Road)
All band students in seventh and eighth grades to participate except drummers who did not join the drum line. Some sixth graders may be ready for this parade.

November/03

Saturday, November 1- Marching Festival at Coral Springs High School
See the marching shows of all Broward County bands.
2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.- Tickets are $7 at the gate, $5 pre-sale (Mr. Helm) Sunday, November 2 - Veterans Day Parade in Parkland (Holmberg Road)
This is voluntary for seventh and eighth graders who wish to furnish their own transportation to the staging area by 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m.
and should be finished by noon. Thursday, November 6 - All County Jazz auditions at Dillard High School.

All County Jazz Schedule

Rehearsals Thursday, November 13, 2003 6:30-9:00 pm -Dillard High School SOTAThursday, November 20, 2003 6:30-9:00 pm -Dillard High School SOTAMonday, November 24, 2003 6:30-9:00 pm
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, November 24, 2003 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Concerts Tuesday, November 24, 2003 10:30 am- Seas Concert
Amaturo Theater Broward - Center for the Performing ArtsTuesday, November 24, 2003 7:00 p.m.- Parent Concert
Amaturo Theater - Broward Center for the Performing Arts

October/03

Tuesday, October 14- Jazz 1 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Broward Cultural Affairs Division Awards Night Thursday, October 30 - Eighth Grade Band invited to game at Stoneman Douglas HS

September/03

Saturday, September 6- All State Auditions at Olsen Middle School

Thursday, September 18- Jazz 1 at SSMS Open House