GREAT job Wind Ensemble at the Kauffman on Wednesday!   I was so incredibly proud of you and your performance.  That will be a great memory for me, I hope it will be for you as well.  Thank you to Chadwick Taylor and Rachel Silverstein for chaperoning the Sym Band for us.  Sym Band and Freshman Band, thatnks for joining us as a family for the event.  It was a wonderful day getting to hear all of those great groups and wonderful music that was played.

For those working on solo’s and ensembles, here is a note from the KSHSAA office.

Announcement     March 13, 2020    Given the escalating concerns regarding COVID-19 and the closures of schools and school host sites, all Regional Music Festivals scheduled for April 4 have been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. The KSHSAA deeply regrets these lost opportunities, but it is the best decision for the safety of our students, directors, adjudicators and spectators.

I asked for clarification about State events a couple of weeks later and the response was that they are working on alternative plans for State Large Group and/or Solo and Ens Festival.  Therefore, if you are working on a solo or ensemble, keep working, there may still be  a festival to perform at.  Remember, the benefit of Solo and Ensemble Festival is the performance itself and the work going into it to make yourself better.  The festival and ratings portion is an outcome and benefit of your growth and hard work.

I will keep you posted.  Stay safe and healthy!

Bill Thomas and Kevin Hupe
Shawnee Mission West H.S.
(913) 993-7852