Band Newsletter #31

Parents/Booster Band Meeting Minutes
(Contributor: Vickie Tuttle, edited by Jesse Seeley)
The Band Booster meeting was held as scheduled last Sunday evening (March 16th) and numerous topics were discussed. If you were unable to make the meeting, please refer to the “Minutes” (BOOSTER MEETING…) to peruse the discussions. There are very important topics including but not limited to:

Budget Review
Upcoming events (e.g., 2008 Band Camp, “Music Day 2008”)
Upcoming performances/contests
Volunteer positions available/needed to fill
Fund Raising events
Idaho Trip recap

Please take a few minutes to get acquainted with some of the discussions that took place. Contact Kami Hettwer (MKHett@aol.com) or Vickie Tuttle (tuttle84@comcast.net) if you have any questions or if you would like to fill one of the openings.

Winter Ensemble Ends Season with Best Performance
(Contributor: Alan Keown, John/Jen Freeman; Edited by Jesse Seeley)
Below are a just a couple of the comments from the directors and instructors of the Winter Ensemble’s final competition that was held this past Saturday, March 22nd, at Westview High School in Portland. As the wrap-up and celebration event there is a “Bowl-a-thon” that is slated for April 4th. Please mark this on your calendar if you and your children participated in the Winter Ensemble. All parents of the Winter Ensemble are also invited to this event—many/most of you may have already received an email direct from Alan Keown. If you have any questions regarding the Winter Ensemble or the “Bowl-a-thon”, please contact Alan at alankeown@comcast.net. As mentioned above, here are some of the comments:

From Alan Keown, Percussion Director:
“Awesome job at Championships! It was our best performance of the season and the staff could not be more proud of the students! We have one more event to take care of....our Bowl-a-thon and pizza party! On April 4th at 5:00 we will bowl at Northgate Bowl...show up about 4:40 and bring your pledge donation money with you. At 7:30 we will head to Wallery's pizza for our pizza party! Everything will be paid for, just come and have fun!”

From Jen Freeman Guard Instructor:
“What a GREAT day on Saturday! All of our ‘West’ performers did their job. The finals performance was the best that I had seen the guard do all season! There was so much passion that went into their performance, and it was felt by all of the audience. I had many people (parents, students from other schools, and other band directors) who told me that they LOVED our show! What a great thing to hear for our first year out! All in all, an AWESOME winter season! I personally want to thank all of the students, parents, and staff who were involved for a successful season. My husband and myself feel very fortunate to be apart of the West Salem Music/Guard Programs.
Sincerely, Jen Freeman”

From John Freeman, Guard Coordinator:
“I have been involved in this activity for a long time, and Saturday was one of the BEST championships days I have ever had. Thank you to all of the parents that were involved, and thank you to all of the parents who I didn't get the chance to meet that let you son or daughter be involved in this GREAT first season. Thank you to all of the staff members for your dedication and hard work, we have a great team here at West Salem. And a special SCHLUMANAHUMANAH shout out to all of the performers, I couldn't have asked for anything more this first year. You guys are AWESOME! Thank you to the board for being flexible, and letting this activity be a new part of the West Music/Color Guard Ensembles. A special thank you to Dr. Nail for his endless support! Much thanks and love to Mr. Alan Keown. And, last but definitely NOT least... a very special thank you to Mr. Brian Griffiths and his family. I love every single one of you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, John Freeman”

Reminder: Advanced Symphony Rehearsal Added for April 10th
(Contributor: Daryl Silberman, Jenny Gates)
There is an added advanced symphony rehearsal - Thursday April 10 from 4:30 - 6:30 - it's our final rehearsal all together before the district competition on April 12th (band members will be gone on Friday April 11th). See also the yellow-highlighted section in below “Looking Forward” table.

“Looking Forward”
(Contributor: Band Directors, Newsletter Editor)

DATE GROUP ACTIVITY LOCATION NOTES
April 3 Symphony WOU Festival WOU 11:00 – 1:00
April 4 Wind Ensemble WOU Festival WOU 12:30 – 6:00
April 10 Advanced Symphony Rehearsal WSHS 4:30 -6:30
April 11 Wind Ensemble Valley League Band Contest North 3:00 – 9:00
April 12 Symphony Salem Invitational Orchestra Festival North TBA
April 14 ALL High School Band Festival WSHS TBA