Hello everyone. Only one more week before school starts!
Thank you for a great two weeks at band camp. I was so appreciative of your work ethic! Thank you to our incredible student staff and especially the drum majors who we above and beyond daily for the benefit of the group. Parents – you are so amazing and the help and support you provide does not go unnoticed!
I am sorry that I was not able to be with you on Friday, but as always, we didn’t miss a beat with Mr. Hupe taking over. He is such a great director. We are blessed to have him with us. The same can be said for Kyle Brown and Brianna Thomas. Both directors are professionals in their field and do a wonderful job of breaking concepts down into smaller more manageable chunks for learning.
This Thursday is the Big, Loud and Live theater broadcast of the Drum Corps International top 18 quarterfinals competition. Many of us already have tickets for the event at the AMC 28 in Olathe. I hope you can join us. Cost of tickets is $20 per ticket, but the show begins at 5:30p and goes until 11:00ish – that’s five hours of intense marching band! This is like the Olympics of marching band. These groups set the standard for excellence. Don’t wait until Thursday to purchase your ticket – it may be too late!
Food Allergies – If you have not filled out the Google Form regarding your food allergies, please do so now. Our wonderful tailgate parents are planning meals for the football and competition season and want to make sure to have appropriate food for everyone. This is your chance to let us know about your food allergies. Here is the form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSec99kKcvYuPbBkefXOsDQOvUCFY4iITtGSaQzKYGSbz-TG4A/viewform?usp=sf_link
Marching Band members – Please keep practicing your music. Veterans, pre-game will be due passed off, from memory the week school starts since you have all learned this music before. The show music will follow shortly after. Daily practice is better than trying to “cram” in one or two days. Practice in small chunks, trying to see the notes in your mind as you play. That will help. DO bring your instrument on the first day of classes – we will play. Rehearsal will begin at 7:40 and we will remain inside so you can see your friends and/or dress up for the first day of school if you like. Don’t forget to return your forms and fees packets.
Freshmen Concert Band – I am excited to meet you when school begins. You will NOT need your instrument on the first day of school, but you will on the second day.
MEGA CAR WASH
Marching Band – you received in your forms packet information about the MEGA Car Wash. Please begin soliciting donors. Donors can give you a set amount, or pledge 1 to 5 cents per car washed. We will wash over 300 cars. Typically, we wash around 400 vehicles. You can make lots of money for your upcoming trip in a couple of years. Please try to get 20 or more pledges or donations. Jazz Bands – you can use money you earn THIS year for your trip. Whatever you receive as donations or pledges, you will be credited 70% while 30% will go to the band for expenses of the program. The drum majors will assign teams and locations when school starts. We wash at the two Westlake Ace Hardware locations on 87th street.
Freshmen Concert Band – you too will join us for this fun event. It is a great way to meet the rest of the band and have a great time earning money for your future trip as well.
EVERYONE – plan on August 26 from 9a-4p to be working the car wash. Parents, we have spots for you as well. This involves ALL BAND MEMBERS.
Have a great last few days of summer. I’m looking forward to making great music with you all again!