HSS Band 2009-10.21 Schedule for the week (picture preview, booster meeting, rehearsals)

Here's the schedule of band events for the week of 9/28/2009:

For parents:
Tuesday, September 29 from 4pm-8pm in the band room: look at proofs from marching band photos; order photos
Thursday, October 1 at 7pm -- Band Booster Meeting in the band room
(agenda items include: Tag Day report; Spring Trip information; Treasurer's Report, Fruit Sale, etc.)

For students:
Tuesday, Sept. 29: MB 6pm-8pm rehearsal
Wednesday, Sept. 30: MB 2:30pm-4:30pm rehearsal
Thursday, Oct.1: MB 2:30pm-4:30pm rehearsal

Reminder: Memorial Day Parade
The marching band has been invited to march in the Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC this May. Mr. Burke would like to get an idea of how many people can be available that weekend for this unique opportunity. There's a survey question on the booster blog at http://www.hayfieldbandboosters.blogspot.com/

Other items:

Volunteer needed to co-ordinate our Critus Fruit Fundraiser (contact bandlsm@gmail.com if you can help)

Senior Slide Show: Mary Anne Mulligan has volunteered to put together the senior slide show, and can start collecting pictures of your senior now (a baby picture and a senior picture). (If you're getting something together for the yearbook, now's a good time to send something to her as well.) If you can email a digital image to her, that's best.

Have a great week everyone!

Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.20 MB takes Second Place at Herndon

Congratulations to the marching band for placing second in their division at the Herndon Competition, Saturday 9/26/2009! They also received an award for best music! (See a photo of the trophy on the band web site; and some photos from the day on the band booster blog.)

Many thanks to all the parents who helped with uniforms, chaperoning, and equipment ~ this couldn't be accomplished without you! (Special thanks to Davon for stopping by the dollar store to stock up on black socks! Our 'emergency' stash is replenished! Also thanks to Dave, Don, and Ralph for getting the equipment to and fro; and for unloading all the equipment at Hayfield before the buses got back to school.)

I was proud to be sitting with Hayfield as our students cheered on other bands who were performing. Even the increasingly heavy rain didn't dampen our students' enthusiasm and good sportsmanship as they applauded for other schools.

I hope everyone gets warmed up and dried off --- and rests up for another fun week ahead of us!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco

Photos from Herndon Competition 9/26/2009

Directions to Herndon

Herndon: 700 Bennett Street 20170

Directions :

Directions from the Capital Beltway (I-495) Take the VA-267 TOLL W exit, exit number 12B, towards DULLES AIRPORT. Merge onto VA-267 W (Portions toll). Take the VA-7100/FAIRFAX COUNTY PKWY exit, exit number 11. Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp. Merge onto FAIRFAX COUNTY PKWY. Take LEFT onto Weihle Avenue (Left at traffic light). Turn LEFT onto DRANESVILLE RD/VA-228. Turn LEFT onto BENNETT STREET.

HSS Band 2009-10.19 TIME CHANGE FOR HERNDON: 9am

Band Family -
THIS JUST IN --- Alert!!
Due to weather concerns on Saturday, Sept. 26,
The Herndon Competition has changed their performance times.
We have changed our times to accomodate the new schedule.

HERNDON HIGH SCHOOL, 700 Bennett street, Herndon, VA 20170

9:00am – Report to field. no rehearsal, dress only.
9:30am – Depart for Herndon
11:05am – Performance, then watch other performances
2:00pm – Receive ratings
3:00pm – Depart for Hayfield
4:00pm-- Return to Hayfield.
Stow away equipment and uniforms, then dismissed.

Don't forget: Black socks, black shoes, t shirt, shorts, lunch, snack money, and a superior attitude!

Many thanks to all of you who said you could help with uniforms and equipment -- if the new schedule does not work for you, please let me know (bandlsm@gmail.com)
Thanks for your flexibility everyone!

Uniforms: 9am - 9:30am
Dottie, Davon, Gwen, Michelle Hall, Mary

Bus Chaperones: Dottie, Sabrena & Ed 9:30am - 4pm

Equipment: Mary, Nick, Dwayne, Dave, Don, Ralph, Ed, (students Sarah and Taylor)

Uniforms: 4pm
Dottie, Gwen, Sherri, Michelle, Mary


Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco

HSS Band 2009-10.18 Herndon Competition this Saturday, report by 10am

Hi Band Family,

The marching band travels to Herndon this Saturday for the first competition of the season!
HERNDON HIGH SCHOOL, 700 Bennett street, Herndon, VA 20170

* WE NEED SOME VOLUNTEERS -
Bus chaperones: leave Hayfield 11:30am, return to Hayfield 6:30pm
Uniform helpers: band room 10:30a-11:30a; band room around 6:30pm
If you can help, please reply to bandlsm@gmail.com (THANKS!)

Volunteers who are signed up:
Bus chaperones: Dottie Andrews (need 3 more)
Uniforms: Dottie Andrews
Truck: Dave Collins, Don Stevenson, Ralph Monaco
Equipment: Mary Hess, Nick Milton, Dwayne Jones, Dave Collins, Don Stevenson, Ralph Monaco, (Student Sarah Gunter)

Here's the schedule (from the band web site):
report to Hayfield and rehearse: 10:00am
change into uniforms: 10:45am
leave for Herndon: 11:30am
performance at Herndon: 1:10pm
receive ratings: 4:40pm
depart for Hayfield: 5:30pm
arrive at Hayfield: 6:30pm (stow equipment, change, then dismissed)

STUDENTS, Mr. Burke says: "PLEASE REMEMBER: black socks, black shoes, t-shirt, shorts, sack lunch, snack money, and a SUPERIOR ATTITUDE!"



As always, if you have questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with me!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.16b Invitation to participate in Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC !!

Hi Band Family,

Two items from Mr. Burke:

1) Is there is a mom who would like to head up our concert dress sizing-ordering for the high school? It would take a couple of visits during 3rd and 4th period band classes, taking the checks from the kids, and getting a check from Sabrena Capel. If you can do this, please email Mr. Burke and me (NOTE - 3rd period is 8:20a-10a on orange days; 4th period is 10:30a-12:15p on blue days).


2) We have been asked by Congressman Moran to have our marching band participate in the Washington D.C. Memorial Parade at the end of May, 2010. The students are excited about performing downtown, possibly on local t.v. I would like to ask the parents of the marching band students if they can reserve that weekend to have their child here. It's a three-day weekend, and many people reserve that for family time. I don't want to show up with only 20 students for such a prestigious event. It's an important parade locally, and we are very proud to be asked by Congressman Moran. I need to give the Congressman an answer soon.

What a great opportunity for our marching band! If you go to the band booster blog at http://www.hayfieldbandboosters.blogspot.com/ you can respond to a poll about whether or not you're available.

Watch for future emails with details about Saturday's competition at Herndon; and the band booster meeting next week: Thursday, October 1.

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco

HSS Band 2009-10.16 Thanks for efforts on Tag Day #2

Hi Band Boosters,
Total from Tag Day #2: $2,318.85

Plus: $1,200 mailed in from envelopes last week, Plus over $11,500 from Tag Day #1 means that we've reached our goal of $15,000!!!

Thanks to all the students who spent hours going door-to-door -- that's hard work!
Thanks to all the parents who drove students and/our counted money -- graciously donating part of their weekends.
Thanks to the parents and students who helped prepare envelopes -- giving up time on school nights.
Thanks to Sabrena Capel who organized our money counting.
And, most of all, thanks to Erin Fitzsimmons who did a masterful job of organizing the entire effort (including juggling all the last-minute changes!).

Remember to check the band web site for updates (the Herndon schedule for next Saturday is posted ~ report to Hayfield at 10am, perform at Herndon at 1:40pm, awards at 4:40pm, return at 6:30pm).

As always, if you have ideas, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with me!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco

HSS Band 2009-10.15 Tag Day Tomorrow!

Hi Band Boosters!
Sincere thanks to all of you who volunteered last night. It truly takes a community effort to pull this off; and you did a great job. And, didn't the band sound wonderful?!? It's fun to watch them get better and better as the season goes on.

Tomorrow is Tag Day!
This is an important part of our fundraising efforts; let's keep the good momentum from last week going.
* The students should have already signed up their groups and drivers. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Erin Fitzsimmons.
* Report to the band room by 8am for uniforms (and donuts!); and be ready to hit the neighborhoods just after 9am.
* If you can help count the money, please let Erin know. Come to the band room around 1:30pm.
It looks like we're going to have good weather, so let's hope for another record-setting day!

Looking ahead to next week: Tuesday's rehearsal is scheduled after school since it's Back to School Night that evening; Wed. & Thurs. rehearsal after school, and then our first competition at Herndon is on Saturday the 26th. (See the band web site "bulletins page" for details.)

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco

HSS Band 2009-10.14 Volunteers for game tonight; Herndon schedule up

Hi Band Volunteers,

FYI - Mr. Burke has posted information about the Herndon competition on the band web site (http://www.hayfieldbands.com/)

Rain Policy for football game: If there's heavy rain most of the day, the athletic department will postpone the game to another day. (Decision to be made by 1pm) If the game is not postponed, the students will march UNLESS the weather is prohibitive (Mr. Burke and Mr. Helm will decide.)

INFO for volunteers:
Assuming that we DO have a game, here are some details for the different volunteers:


Uniform (before) - Report to band room around 6pm
Sabrena Capel, Leslie Bell, Elsa Palting, Karen Reed, Dottie Andrews

Uniforms (after) - above plus Davon McKeone (follow students to band room after halftime performance)

Equipment: If you can help before the game, show up in the band room by 6:45pm
if you can help at halftime, get ready to go on the field 2 minutes before the end of the first half
if you can help after the show, help move equipment back to the band room directly after the performance
(if you help all 3 times, you get to skip your session at the gym!)

Ed Capel, Mary Hess, Nick Milton, Dwayne Jones, Mary Anne Mulligan, Robert Palting, Che Russell, Don Stevenson
plus students Angela Sudik and Taylor Jewitt


Stands monitors: Ropes should be set up before the band comes out; (tonight we may also have to dry the bleacher seats); pick up ropes and rags from band closet by 6:30pm
Bettina Dowell, Mary Power, Atsuko Russell

Water and snacks: if you're coming to the game as a spectator, you can bring the water or snacks with you; OR you can send it with your band student when they report at 6pm -- tell them to look for Mrs. Monaco
Water: Estela Cruzs, Che Russell, Karen Reed
Snacks: Leslie Bell, Twila Mack, Mary Hess, Cheryl Wagner, Amy Taylor

THANKS to all of you for helping out, especially on a busy weeknight!


Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.13 Staple party; pictures; rehearsals; game

Hello everyone,

Once again, congratulations on the terrific Tag Day Teamwork!

From the band web site:

"Tag day total today was $11,529.92!! That blows away first day totals for tag day last year by $2.20 (thanks to Mr. Collins!! )

That blows away first day totals for the past 5 years with the exception of last year! We have one more weekend to reach our goal of $12,000. Great job, and do it again next weekend!!!! Thanks to Mrs. Fitzsimmons for the great organization of this event, Mrs. Capel for counting the money, and Mrs.Andrews for the help with uniforms, not to mention all the parents who drove. Great Job!!"

To prepare for Tag Day #2 (Saturday, September 19):

Students: Sign up your groups (and a driver) ~ the sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board in the front of the band room. Even if you have the same group as last week, please sign up again with your names, and your driver's name.

Parents: We need to prepare some more envelopes, so we're having another "Staple Party" -- If you can stop by any time while the kids are rehearsing Tuesday, from 6-8pm, we'll be in the room across from the band room. Thanks in advance! (Again, if you have your own stapler, please bring it along.)

From the band web site, here's the schedule for the week:

"September 14-19, 2008

Rehearsal schedule for this week:

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6pm-8pm
Colorguard dress fittings after school, then rehearsal at 4pm. Dinner provided today for CG.
Wednesday Sept. 16, 2:30pm-4:30pm picture day!

Thursday Sept. 17, Game! Report 6pm, dismissed after halftime, around 9pm.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 8am report, Tag Day II fundraiser"

Game volunteers

As far as I know, the students will be wearing their uniforms for this game, so we will need our uniform volunteers to report to the band room by 6pm on Thursday. In addition, if you signed up to help with equipment before the game, please come to the band room when you drop off your student (by 6pm).

As a reminder, here are the names from the volunteer sign-ups:

Uniforms: Sabrena Capel, Leslie Bell, Elsa Palting, Dottie Andrews

Equipment: Ed Capel, Mary Hess, Nick Milton, Dwayne Jones, Mary Anne Mulligan, Robert Palting, Che Russell

Stands monitors: Rob & Bettina Dowell, Mary Power

Snacks and water: Estela Cruzs (water) and Leslie Bell (snacks) We could use 1 more case of water and 3 more people to send in some snacks (If you're coming to the game, please bring the water or snacks with you. Otherwise, send them in with your band student, and give them to Mrs. Monaco.) Please send me an email if you can sign up to bring either a case of water or some snacks (chips, granola bars, pop tarts, etc.). Thanks from the hungry and grateful students!

Four more things:

1. We need to keep track of how many volunteers come into the game with the band. If you've purchased an athletic booster pass, please let us know so we can tell the athletic office how many volunteers have already paid.

2. If your name isn't on the volunteer list, but you think you might be able to help on Thursday, please jump in! The more the merrier, and the more smoothly the show goes on, etc.

3. Mary Anne Mulligan has a few more band booster shirts; she'll bring them to the game Thursday. If you ordered a shirt and haven't picked it up yet, seek her out at the game. (She'll be the one sitting with a box of t-shirts!!)

4. If your neighborhood has a community association or newsletter, please consider submitting a "Thank You" from the band for their support on Tag Day. We had a great response, and many of the kids met some generous, enthusiastic band supporters.

Looking ahead:

- HS Back-to-school Night is Tuesday evening, September 22, so the band rehearsal that day is moved to after school (2:30p-4:30p), instead of in the evening. Wed and Thursday schedules will remain the same (also after school 2:30pm-4:30pm)

- The Fall band booster meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1.

At the risk of repeating myself too much, I again want to say how impressive the effort was on Tag Day #1. It was all about TEAMWORK ~ the parents who drove, the students who walked door-to-door, the groups that pitched in to help finish other neighborhoods, the parents who came in to count money, the "uniform moms" and more! Nicely done.

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.12 CONGRATS and THANKS for Tag Day #1

Many thanks to all the parents and students today who worked so hard on our first tag day! There was a ton of teamwork today, and the total collected was over $11,500!! (That's a little more than what was collected on Tag Day #1 last year; a great accomplishment in this economic climate.)

(Dave's $2 put us over the top!!!)

I'll send a detailed email later this weekend with the schedule for next week (rehearsals; another staple party; home game Thursday night; and Tag Day #2 - Note that students should sign up their groups & driver for next Saturday in band class next week. The sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board in the band room. Even if your group is going to be exactly the same, please sign up again so Mrs. Fitzsimmons can put together the maps and assignements. Another note: Families observing the Rosh Hashanah holiday next Saturday are not required to participate in Tag Day #2.)

For now, I just wanted to let everyone know what a terrific job you all did today.

Finally, special thanks to Erin Fitzsimmons who is doing an amazing job of putting all this together!

Humbly serving our kids, and proud to be part of this group,
Lorraine Monaco
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Our hardy band of volunteers gets ready to hit the road Saturday morning!

HSS Band 2009-10.11 P.S. Color Guard uniform for Tag Day

PS

Dear Color Guard families,

I forgot to include this info in the Tag Day email:  Color Guard will wear the short white jackets with black sash (as in the band picture), a white t-shirt or cami, and black pants.  If you have black pants, wear your own.  If not, you can wear one of the pairs from the band closet.  
See you!

Lorraine M.

 

HSS Band 2009-10.11 Tag Day is Coming! Tag Day is Coming!

Dear Band Boosters,
This Saturday, September 12 is our first Tag Day of the year ~ it's our biggest fundraiser of the school year.

Here's the game plan from Mr. Burke and Mrs. Fitzsimmons:

The groups have been posted in the band room on the bulletin board in the front of the room all this week. Students should know their group and driver.
Drivers will be contacted by phone before Saturday to confirm assignments and cell-phone numbers.
Students and drivers should arrive at the band room on Saturday morning no later than 8am. The students will change into their uniforms and pick up their packets.
Plan on arriving in your assigned neighborhood by 9am. (Don't knock on any doors before 9am; but do try to start as soon after 9:01am as possible.)
You can bring snacks and drinks with you; you may stop for a lunch break, but we encourage those breaks to be as brief as possible. (Fast food; not a sit-down restaurant!)
Return to the band room between 2pm and 3pm to turn in money and uniforms.
Then, give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done; and get ready for next Saturday when we do it all again!
If you have any questions, contact Erin Fitzsimmons
Thanks in advance for all your work.

Big thanks to all the volunteers who helped on Tuesday evening with envelope preparation. There were enough helping hands that we were able to prepare 4,200 envelopes in about two hours.
AND, many thanks to the parents who drove students and instruments to Island Creek on Wednesday. In addition to the parents who had signed up, several more parents pitched in at the last minute too ~ and,we needed that extra help! Thank you, thank you!

I'm putting some pictures from those two events on the blog: http://www.hayfieldbandboosters.blogspot.com/

See you on Saturday!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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Photos from Island Creek

The band traveled to Island Creek Elementary to put on a demonstration of band instruments (and to show the elementary-school students how much fun it is to be a part of band!)

THANKS, Envelope Volunteers!

Wow - in about two hours, a hardy group of volunteers labeled 4,200 envelopes and attached 4,200 "Sorry we missed you" tags! Many thanks to all who came by and helped.

Pictures from the first game

HSS Band 2009-10.10 Event Scheduled: Wed. 9/9 Island Creek Performance

Hi Band Family,

News from Mr. Burke: the marching band will perform at Island Creek Elementary school Wednesday, September 9 right after school. This is a demonstration performance to get their 5th graders excited about band. We'll need some parent volunteers to help drive the students and their instruments to Island Creek. If you can help, please send me an email to give us an idea of how many cars we'll have. On Wednesday, park in the back of the school, and come to the band room right after school gets out, around 2:30pm. (You can wait for the main crush of students to leave!)
Other details: the students will probably be asked to wear their band T-shirt; Mr. Burke will decide whether to have marching band rehearsal when they return from Island Creek, based on how much time they have.

Here's the schedule for next week:
Tuesday, 9/8/09: Evening MB rehearsal 6pm-8pm ("Staple Party" in the band room 6-8pm)
Wednesday, 9/9/09: Island Creek Performance followed by MB rehearsal 2:30-4:30pm
Thursday, 9/10/09: After-school MB rehearsal 2:30-4:30pm
Saturday, 9/12/09: TAG DAY - report to school 7:30am; hit the streets at 9am; finish around 3pm


One miscellaneous note: I have a kitchen towel that was left at the potluck dinner (it came home with me and made it through my laundry!). I'll leave it in the band closet; if you're missing a towel, you (or your student) can check there.


I hope everyone enjoys a restful and fun weekend as we honor our country's workers this weekend!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.9 Early wake-up call; help needed next week

Hi Band Family,
CONGRATS to the football team for their 35-0 win tonight against Marshall. The band sounded great; and it was fun to hear the fight song played so many times.

Reminder: students should report to school at 7am tomorrow (Friday) for 7th grade orientation. The students will finish around 8:15am.

HELP NEEDED ~ It's time for our annual "Staple Party!" To get envelopes ready for tag day, we needed volunteers to come to the band room during band rehearsal next Tuesday (Sept 8th) from 6pm-8pm. BYOS (Bring your own stapler); parents, siblings, friends are all welcome to help. (There may be cookies . . . . !)

HELP NEEDED ON TAG DAY ~ Erin Fitzsimmons needs a few volunteers to help count money as it comes in on Saturday September 12. The money-counters work in the band room starting around 1:30-2:00pm when students start returning from their routes. If you can help, please contact Erin (We'll need money counters on Saturday the 19th too.)

If you are a scheduled driver for Tag Day, Erin will contact you Wed or Thurs to confirm and get cell phone numbers. (Scheduled drivers signed up with a specific group on the sign-up sheets.)

If you're available to be a 'back-up' driver (to fill in just in case a scheduled driver can't make it) then please contact Erin.


CAN YOU SEW? Dottie Andrews is leading the effort to do alterations and repairs on some of the uniforms. If you can let out a hem, or sew a hem, or do basic sewing, please contact Dottie Friday (or contact me )

Finally, a HUGE "THANK YOU!" to all the wonderful volunteers this evening. The equipment was moved safely and efficiently; and the students really appreciated all the great snacks and water. (And, once again, the students did a great job cleaning their section of the stands!)

The cool, clear night (with a gorgeous full moon) was a bonus to cap off a night of good football, great music, and cheerful camaraderie!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.8 Details for game Thursday and Orientation Friday

Hi Band Family!
Correction: the band will not wear their dress uniform on Thursday, so no volunteers are needed before the game to help with uniforms this week. : )

Here are the details for the game Thursday and Orientation on Friday morning (from the band web site http://www.hayfieldbands.com/)

Thursday, September 3, Football Game Performance
6:00pm - report.
uniform will be band t-shirts and shorts, sneakers
approximately 9:30pm dismissal.
Friday, September 4, 7:00am-8:15am Performance for Orientation

(Note - the band plays in the front hallway as students arrive for orientation.)

Thanks to all of you who are offering to volunteer; it's so nice to hear from new families as well as some "veteran" families ~ What a terrific group!

See you at the game on Thursday!

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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HSS Band 2009-10.7 Volunteers for our First Game this Thursday 9/3/09

Hi Band Family!
We're enjoying perfect "football weather" this week ~ how fortunate we have a home game!

I've attached the spreadsheet of volunteers that Donna Baetsen has put together from the sign-up sheets at the potluck dinner last week. Please check it over to make sure any info is correct, contact Donna and/or me with corrections. Also -- if you weren't able to sign up at the potluck, but you'd like to help out, please feel free to email Donna and me .

A big THANK YOU to the following volunteers for Thursday's game:

uniform room (come to the band room at 6pm): S. Capel, L. Bell, L. Artis, E. Palting
stands monitor: (come to the band room around 6:45pm to pick up the ropes): R. and B. Dowell (R.and E. Palting help in the stands)
equipment (if you can help before the game, come to the band room around 6:45pm; halftime helpers be ready about 2 minutes before the end of the first half): E. Capel, M. Hess, N.Milton, H. Yarwood, MA Mulligan, E. Joseph, R. Palting

snacks (please bring about 2 dozen individually wrapped snacks, granola bars, chips, pop-tarts, etc. --- look for two plastic bins in the band section of the stands): S. Capel, M. Hall, E. Palting, L.Monaco

water (bring 1 case of water bottles to the game; look for band coolers with ice): M. Hess, T. Jewett, T. Mack, L. Artis

As always, if you have any suggestions or questions, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Humbly serving our kids,
Lorraine Monaco
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