WSHS Band Newsletter #28

Symphony Rehearsal – Friday, March 7th
(Contributor: Kami Hettwer)
THIS JUST IN (to the editor anyway—most students probably already know): There is a symphony rehearsal scheduled from noon-4 p.m. on Friday. We are asking for donations to help cover the cost for the pizza. If anyone can help with any donation, please contact Kami Hettwer at mkhett@aol.com or Vickie Tuttle at tuttle84@comcast.net. The pizza feast will help the musicians with their lunch break in this intensive rehearsal.

OMEA District IV Solo and Ensemble Contest — Ten WSHS Students Honored
(Contributor: Mr. Griffiths, edited by Jesse Seeley)
This past weekend, music students performed and competed in the OMEA District IV Solo and Ensemble Contest. West Salem sent 70 entries to the festival, representing the highest level of participation from any school in the region. Ten West students were recognized as district winners or alternates (band members listed alphabetically by instrument/category):

Band Members:
Alto Saxophone - Zach Chong - 1st Alternate
Clarinet - Joshua Hettwer - 2nd Alternate
Oboe - Michael Morgan - 1st Place
Orchestral Snare - Brendon Seeley - 1st Place
Rudimental Snare - Robert Harris - 1st Place
Trombone - Matthew Hettwer - 1st Place
Trumpet - Lynn Robinson - 1st Alternate

Choir/Orchestra:
Shelby Wright - 1st Alternate - Alto Voice
Gwen Gates - 1st Place - Violin

Please help us in congratulating these outstanding Titan student performers!

“Saxaphobia” Concert—Saturday, March 8 at Elsinore Theatre
(Contributor: Mr. Richard Abrams—VP, Salem Community Concert Association)
On Friday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m., there will be an unusual concert at the Elsinore Theatre featuring Rob Verdi and his group, "Saxophobia." He plays nearly 40 different types of saxophones, mostly antique and several unique. They bill themselves as "A 'Who's Who' of sax gone wild!’ which pays tribute to the legendary jazz artists who gave the saxophone its unique voice."

This concert is sponsored by Salem Community Concerts. We believe in doing all within our power to encourage and stimulate the musical interest and talents of children and youth of our area. For that reason, SCCA has a special student rate of $8, and $8 also for one adult to accompany the student. These tickets normally cost $27 at the door. Students and accompanying adults will be admitted to the concert for this price of $8 each.

If you want more information concerning Saxophobia, go to ”>www.Saxophobia.net on the Web. There is a very interesting publicity photo of Rob Verdi with his collection of saxophones. By the way, Rob is also a member of the famous “Side Street Strutters” Jazz Band.

Winter Ensemble — Parent Concert Friday Night — March 7 at 8 p.m.
(Contributor: Alan Keown, Jesse Seeley)
In preparation for this Saturday’s competition, there will be a Parent’s Concert for the performance that could very well lead West Salem High School to victory this Winter season. After this Friday’s rehearsal (starting at 3 p.m.) there will be a free performance for anyone who would like to attend. The actual parent’s performance will be in the Commons starting at 8 p.m.

This Saturday’s first competition will be at Skyline High School, Vancouver, Wash., at 10:23 a.m. The Winter Ensemble has been sent a separate itinerary for the next two days’ activities, but if you have any questions, please contact Alan Keown directly at alankeown@comcast.net. For more information on directions to Skyview High School, their Web site is skyview.vansd.org/. There is an admission fee of $10 for adults, $5 for students/seniors, and FREE for 5 years and younger.

Remaining rehearsals/shows:

FRIDAY 3/14: 6-9 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY 3/15: WGI REGIONAL (PORTLAND SHOW)

FRIDAY 3/21: 6-9 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: SATURDAY 3/22: NWMBC CHAMPIONSHIPS (PORTLAND SHOW)

Jazz Festival at McKay High School, Saturday, March 8th
Not that there’s nothing to do these next couple of days, but we have yet other WSHS musicians performing in the Jazz Festival at McKay High School this Saturday. Many of our students will be performing with the “WVYJE Big Band” there. Please attend if you want to hear some local music with some talented high school musicians.

Wind Ensemble—2008 Trip Participation
(Contributor: Dr. Nail)
The West Salem Wind Ensemble is auditioning to perform at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago December 16 – 19, 2008. This performance invitation is the highest recognition and honor available to an Oregon band. Only one other Oregon school band has ever been invited to perform. The audience consists of around 2,000 band/orchestra directors from all over the world.