Good post-marching season afternoon. I was so proud of our kids yesterday. They worked hard and prepared hard in these last few weeks and had one of their best shows yesterday. But alas, as it is the end of the season for almost all of the bands present yesterday – so did they.
We probably all peaked at the same time – exactly as you would hope. While we performed the best we had ever performed our show, the other bands did exactly the same. I’ll share recaps with the students tomorrow of all the details. A few highlights of the scores:
- Guard took second in the indoor guard competition in our division
- Drumline took third in the indoor percussion competition in our division
- Band took fourth in the outdoor competition in our division
- Guard was only .1 points behind the winner of our division (taking second)
- Drumline was only .23 points behind the winner in our division (taking second)
- Music (hornline and drumline combined) were third in our division in music performance.
There were definitely some things to hang our hats on to be proud of. As the staff listens to the judges’ comments, we may share with the students as we can probably all learn a few things to help us as we prepare for next season.
A huge thank you to the small army of volunteers who helped yesterday and throughout the season. From the many people who helped as Roadies, loading and unloading equipment and pulling the trailers, to the Tailgate crews helping feed the band and volunteers, to the Uniform crew and Chaperones. We cannot forget our newest team, the Freshmen Roadies – the freshmen concert band students that volunteered to help move equipment on and off the field as well as load and unload the trailer. With a band of about 80+, we had a support team of probably 40 helping them achieve their goals. We are so thankful for all the help everyone provided.
While the busiest time of year is now behind us, we are not finished for the year. My weekly emails will turn into bi-weekly emails – or just twice a month.
We begin Pep Band rehearsals on Wednesday morning at 7:00a. The basketball pep band is open to any band student. We will rehearse M, W, F throughout the month of November (except for the Thanksgiving/Fall break). Our first home game will be Friday, Dec. 1. A Pep Band schedule is being developed and should be published by the end of next week. This is a great time for the students to get together to just enjoy playing more popular tunes and cheer on some of our other students at West. We have been (unofficially) voted the best pep band in SMSD by the principals of the five high schools – so I’ve been told. Our kids have a lot of fun dancing and singing at the games which generates a lot of excitement for our teams at home. Please consider joining us!
Concert Band Live Auditions (for all marching band members) will begin on Wednesday during first period class. We passed out the music 2-3 weeks ago. This is for placement between the two concert bands – the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. These will be the concert bands for the second semester, and for the December concert. The current Freshmen Concert Band will move to first block to become part of the Symphonic Band.
District Honor Band Auditions for the East Central KMEA honor groups are this coming Saturday at Gardner-Edgerton High School. Students provide their own transportation. I should receive more information this week and will pass along when I do. But from what I can remember, you will want to be at GEHS at 8a to register your attendance and get the location of your audition room and the meeting time. After that meeting, auditions will begin. Now that you’ve got some more time, use it for this audition. Remember if you are accepted into the District Honor Band, you may then audition for the STATE Honor Band held in Wichita in February. Mr. Hupe and I would LOVE to hear you this week and offer suggestions – even if you are taking private lessons. Another set of ears is ALWAYS good. We are actual judges and sit in the rooms listening to student’s audition – just like you – we KNOW what judges are listening for. How about Tuesday during Seminar?
Again, my congratulations to you for performing so well yesterday. I am proud of your efforts! Tomorrow morning, we will come in at normal school time 7:40a.m. We will break down marching equipment, put away rain ponchos, flags and clean up the outside storage shed as we close out this marching season.
Enjoy the gift of sleep – you’ve earned it!