Greetings band students and parents!
You are all doing great with all the activities of the spring! “Keep on Truckin’” as they used to say back in the day. We’ve listed out the events for the next few weeks to continue to help everyone stay abreast of our activities for your calendars.
The West Area Band Festival was wonderful. We have had so many parents email us or students talk to us to tell us how inspired they were after the concert. Some told Mr. Hupe how they are going to be in OE someday. Or others telling us how their student changed their mind and wants to stay in the band. Never underestimate the influence you have on the next generation!
Fantastic Job Jazz Bands this last Friday! Jazz on the bridge is always a huge hit and this year was no exception. Having our two bands book-end the event was simply incredible. You all are stellar. Thanks, Mr. Hupe for your leadership. Thanks, parents for organizing the food truck. “The Rub” – Excellent!
Upcoming Events
Tonight – Percussion rehearsal 6-8p
Tuesday – Percussion Dress Rehearsal – 6-9p???? Pizza provided for the performers.
Wednesday – Percussion concert – Auditorium. $5 entry fee. No student passes. Tell your friends. Everyone loves a great drumline! They will not be disappointed!
Thursday – Marching Band Show discussion. 7-8:30p in the band room – that’s a slight time change for those who have been talking with me. This is open to all freshmen through juniors to discuss and hopefully choose a marching band show for next season.
Saturday – State Solo and Ensemble Festival at Topeka Washburn High School.
Next week:
Monday – May 2 – Percussion rehearsal 6-8p
7:00 PM: BAW meeting in the band room. Topics for discussion are the banquet and next year’s officers. See email from Dawn Schnake for needs. Critical needs are for Treasurers, Truck driver for marching band games and festivals, Webmaster, Social Media chair, Tailgating chair – feed the band at FB games and festivals, Uniform manager, and Photographers (anyone & everyone with good cameras who can document everything we do).
Tuesday, May 3 – 7:00p. Band Concert. Call time is 6:30p(?). Sym. Band in the Band Room. Wind Ensemble in the orchestra room. Dress is “nice” spring clothes.
Saturday, May 7 – Worlds of Fun
Final weeks of school
May 9, 16 Percussion rehearsals 6-8p on Monday nights to select marching percussion section.
Tuesday, May 17 Band Dessert Banquet 6:00-8:00p to recognize ALL band students for their accomplishments for the year. Letters, Numerals, Section Leaders, Solo and Ensemble Awards, Special Senior Awards.
Wednesday, May 18 Graduation Band – 6:30 performance @ SM South. All non-seniors will comprise this graduation band. Dress is “nice” spring clothes.
Monday, July 4 – Louie, Louie Band – This is a volunteer marching band made up of current band students and interested alumni. The band plays Louie, Louie, band is Hot, and a couple of other songs that are typical Pep band tunes for the fun of getting together. There is no rehearsal, just show up, get a free T-shirt, play and march. Dr. Thomas will create a sign-up list to gauge interest. This is totally led by students and parents. This is an opportunity for students to be completely on their own.
Olathe Youth Symphony This is a great opportunity to be involved in playing with some of the best high school musicians in the Johnson County Area. You can also look up the Kansas City Youth Symphony to be involved with players from across the metro. If you like brass band music, you could also look up the Fountain City Youth Brass Band. There are tons of great ensembles to be involved with to improve your chops in our area!
District and All-State Audition music should be coming out soon so that you can begin taking it to your private lesson teachers and preparing for next year’s auditions.
Finally, we are still working on a big trip for next school year. Stay tuned. Hang in there. Get some rest when you can and keep pushing to the end. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’re going to make it!