“Music Season” rolls on. We just finished Regional Solo and Ensemble – results were shared in an email yesterday. This week we have the State Large Group Music Festivals and Jazz on the Bridge. Read on for more information.
This Week
Monday – I need to know from all the students who received a I (Superior) rating this past weekend if they plan to continue to State Solo and Ensemble in two weeks at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka on Saturday, April 26.
Also – Percussion rehearsal as we head into Marching Band auditions. Keep up the great work!
Thursday – State Large Group Music Festival. Both concert bands play at Olathe East HS. Parents may attend if you wish. You will need to check in at the front office and just let them know you want to watch the concert bands in the auditorium.
- 7:10a All Bands meet in the band room – Dressed in Concert Black
- 7:30 Load and Depart
- 8:00 Arrive Olathe East HS
- 8:25 Wind Ensemble Warm-up
- 8:50 Wind Ensemble Performs
- 9:15 Symphonic Band Warm-up
- 9:40 Symphonic Band Performs
- 10:15 Both bands load and depart O> East
- 10:45 Arrive back at SM West
- 11:00 Back in class
Friday – Jazz on the Bridge – This is our annual gift to the community bringing together school jazz bands from around the metro. The evening begins about 6:00. We are using both the bridge and the cafeteria for performances. We need about 10-12 students to help set up right after school for about an hour maybe a little more. Lettering points will be awarded. OE’s guest artist this year is trumpet player Jim Mair. OE will perform on the bridge starting at 8:30p. A NEW twist this year is a Bingo Game that runs throughout the night. Various musical prizes as well as food coupons will be awarded. The top prizes are a Kansas City Jazz Orchestra CD and TWO tickets to a KCJO Signature Series Concert! Winners MUST BE PRESENT to win. Details can be found at the Bingo Table on the bridge.
Seniors and parents
Can you believe you’re almost done! Where has the time flown? To adequately celebrate you and your band accomplishments, we need some things from you.
- Senior Pictures due Friday April 18 – (2.5×3.5) for composite to hang in the band room and for use in the Year-End video
- Baby picture – can be a scan or digital image 300dpi or better.
- Senior Scholarship Application – optional
Seniors, also be on the lookout for the senior scholarship application offered by Band~Aides to a student who has been active in our program. It is based upon a written essay as well as involvement in the program. There is a scholarship committee that will send out details in the coming days.
Special Edition Recording
Don’t forget that Will England, webmaster, photographer, content creator is recording an album to be made into a Keepsake LP – that’s a vinyl record for those who don’t know. You can reach out to him directly for details and cost/payment. There is no profit to be made, just a really cool limited edition, recording of our groups at the end of the year. Will can be reached at: webmaster@bandaides.org
Looking ahead…
- West Area Band Festival – Wednesday, April 23 (Wind Ensemble and OE only)
- West Area Orchestra Festival – Thursday, April 24 (select Wind Ens. Members only)
- Marching Percussion Auditions for 2025 – Monday, April 28
- BAW meeting – Tuesday, April 29
- Lettering Points due – Wednesday, April 30
- Spring Band Concert – Thursday, May 1
- Everything on Wheels Car Show – Saturday, May 3 (Pep band and OE performs) – See Attachment (please share on socials)
- Band Banquet – Tuesday, May 13, 6p – We celebrate ALL band members. Please make plans to attend.
- Graduation Band – Wednesday, May 21 (all non-senior band members) 7p, 6:15 call time, band plays 6:40ish
Thanks for being Awesome!