Congratulations to both the Symphonic Band for receiving an Excellent (II) rating and the Wind Ensemble for receiving a Superior (I) rating this past Thursday. Everyone worked hard and improved immensely! Great Work! Congratulations are also in order for the Jazz Lab Ensemble, and Overland Express for amazing performances at the Jazz on the Bridge concert on Friday! It is always such a treat to see everyone step up to the plate to dig deep within themselves to pull out all the musicality that they have learned over the past 4-8 years. Way to represent yourselves as well as your school! Keep it up; we’re not finished yet!
Upcoming Schedule
Monday morning – Wind Ensemble members who are able…. Dr. Thomas will unlock the band room at 7:15 in the morning to load up pep band books and music stands and head to Pawnee Elementary School for the annual Panther Prowl. Any Wind Ensemble member who has a ride and can make it – we will set up at Pawnee at 7:45a and play pep band tunes until 8:10a. Transportation is on each of you to get there and back as well as transport your instruments. Please make sure you have the proper transportation forms on file to drive or ride with another student. I don’t want anyone skirting the rules. Take your time and be safe. This is a fun event for them and a community service for us. If you are NOT able to attend, please hang out in the band room with the Symphonic Band and Mr. Hupe. We will have a rehearsal upon our return to West. Symphonic Band will be in rehearsal at the normal 7:40 time in the band room.
Tuesday is the West Area Band Festival. This event features only the Wind Ensemble and Overland Express from West. We will have a rehearsal on Tuesday morning with the 5th and 6th graders. Please get out of seminar at 9:45a, get your instruments from the band room and come to the gym ready to play through America by 10:00a. Call time will be 6:30p for Wind Ensemble. Dress is Concert Black. The parking lot does get a little crazy. OE will play prelude music and have a feature spot on the concert as well. The concert should conclude by 8:00p.
Saturday is State Solo and Ensemble Festival at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka. The schedule is attached. Transportation is on your own. Make sure you plan who is transporting equipment (percussion) and that you all have your original judges copy, solo and accompanist copies. Get a good night’s rest so you’re on top of your game!
Tuesday, Apr. 30 – Bandaides meeting – 7:00p in the band room.
Wednesday, May 1 – Lettering points are due.
If you need points for taking private lessons, please have your teacher send a note or email. If you have attended college or professional concerts, please provide ticket stubs, or concert programs for verification.
Friday, May 3 – North Pizza Jazz. Overland Express and Jazz Lab ensemble. Mr. Hupe will provide performance times.
Monday, May 6 – Drumline Minicamp – SM West Band room 6-8p. This will be for next year’s percussion section to determine part assignments.
Tuesday, May 7 – Spring Band Concert – 7:00p in the auditorium. 6:30 call time for the ensembles. The students can dress nicely for this event – NO concert black. Springy colors are the order of the day.
Thursday, May 9 – Flower pick up outside the band room from 3-6p.
Monday, May 13 – Band Dessert Banquet, 6p West cafeteria– this is for ALL band members. There is NO CHARGE to attend. We want everyone in attendance. All students will be recognized. It is not just for seniors. Seniors – Do I have your baby picture and a wallet size Senior Picture?
It’s a great day to be a Viking!