Congratulations to Jazz Lab Ensemble and Overland Express
For earning straight one ratings (Superior) on Friday at the Pitt. State jazz Festival! We’re proud of you and your work!
Thank you
To all the students who were able to play in the pep bands this season, especially on Friday when the jazz bands were out of town. You played well and represented West with pride, energy and enthusiasm cheering the girls to a victory! That means we have the opportunity to travel to Wichita on Wednesday for the first round of the state basketball tournament. IF they win on Wednesday then they would play again on Friday and Saturday. As of this past Friday, I can only get a bus for Wednesday. We’ll see what is possible later this week – and the girls have to win the first round to be able to return on Friday. The tentative schedule would have us leaving West Wednesday morning at 9:00a.m. and returning at 7:00p.m. I still have some details to work out so I will not publish the full schedule now, just know those are our departure and arrival times here at West.
Wichita Pep Band – Girls State tournament Sign-up
If you are a Pep Band member interested in traveling to Wichita, and are NOT in OE (because you have a gig Wednesday night at SM Northwest), please use the Google Form send in your email to express your interest so I can begin planning. I will need a firm commitment by Tuesday morning during class. There is NOT a sign-up sheet in the band room – ONLY in the Google Form in your email!
Exciting Opportunity – Worlds of Fun
The executive board of Bandaides~West wants to help us return to some semblance of normal. Knowing that we have had to cancel two London Trips they along with the staff are proposing a small, fun trip for this year’s band members. We know it cannot compare to London, but it is certainly cheaper and easy to put together quickly.
We are exploring the option to take the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble to Worlds of Fun to perform and then play the day away on Saturday, May 7. The cost would be $40 per student and $20 per adult. This pays for park admission, music festival, transportation to the park and back, and one meal in the park. That actual cost is $88 per student but BAW will pick up over half of the fee for everyone attending. The catch is we need to know before Spring Break if we have the students necessary to perform. If you can’t stay all day (to play in the park) you can go to the music festival for free, then depart. If you cannot afford to pay the $40 entry/meal fee, there may be a small number of scholarships available. We don’t want to leave ANYONE out of this opportunity! Please let us know of your interest BEFORE the end of the week through the Google Form – also in your email!
Solo and Ensemble Contest Info
If you are working on a solo or ensemble for contest, I need to have your name, piece being performed and accompanist name BEFORE Spring Break. The sign-up form is on the marker board in the front of the band room. I have to complete the entry form while we are on break. West will pay your entry fee for you. If you change your mind after entries have been submitted, you will owe the band the entry fee.
Recital Night
Wednesday, March 30, 6:00-8:00p @ WestSolo and Ensemble Festival – Saturday, April 9 @ Olathe South HS (same date as Prom) For the recital night we will hire a judge or judges to listen and provide helpful comments to help everyone prepare for contest. You will perform your ensemble or solo just like you would at contest. Your accompanist needs to perform with you. Make plans now. IF your piece has a piano accompaniment, it MUST be played or you will be disqualified. You MUST have all originals of your music for the judges. If you, your accompanist or the judge has a photocopy, you will be disqualified. KSHSAA takes copyright infringement seriously.
SMSD Band Festival
Wind Ensemble, don’t forget that you have a performance at SM East HS on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00p.m. We will perform for our sister SMSD schools and Dr. Paul Popiel. He will then come work with us the next day to help us prepare for the State Large Group Music Festival later in April. Make sure you have off from work! Parents you are invited to join us for a great evening of music making. The concert is free to the public.
Monday Night Percussion
Don’t forget, ALL percussionists are invited to join together on Monday nights from 6-8 p.m. in the band room as we are working on music for the percussion concert that will take place on Wednesday, April 27. After the concert, we will transition to Marching Band section auditions. As I have more information about the trip to Wichita this week, I will email again. That will probably be tomorrow.
Have a GREAT week. Spring break is on the way! Don’t forget to take your instrument home and PRACTICE! Scale tests are coming.