Greetings from the 2008-2009 Band Booster Chair

Dear WSHS Band Families:

I want to thank you for all of your support, time, and energy this past school year in all aspects of the band program whether it be marching band, colorguard, drumline, concert bands, jazz band, symphony orchestra or the Pippen orchestra. It is a great feeling to be part of such a wonderful program with so many opportunities for our students. Not every school in the state of Oregon is able to offer students with the plethora of performing groups West has to offer and with such a high standard of excellence. I'm so thrilled and proud of all four of ou r top music groups who will be representing West at the state competition this month. It's a combination of great teaching, supportive parents, and dedicated students that culminate in our success. 

As I leave the band chair position I would like to remind you that parents are a valuable asset to the program. We drive our kids to various lessons, rehearsals, concerts, we buy or rent them their instruments and supplies, we invest money and time and it's all for a great cause. Music in all it's various forms serves a great purpose throughout our lives. If I could leave you with one more thought and encouragement for the band program I would say to you that as parents and volunteers it is important to keep the lines of communication open and to not loose sight of why the music boosters exist:

    * To promote and maintain an enthusiastic interest in the various phases of music activity at West Salem High School.

    * To lend all possible support, both moral and financial, to the Music programs of West Salem High School.

    * To cooperate with those in charge of the West Salem High School to the end that the Music Department be brought to and be kept at the highest possible degree of efficiency.

    * To build and maintain an organization which will help promote the general act ivities of the Music Department.

    * To seek to have parents, teachers, administrators, and the public cooperate in furthering the endeavors of students in music related extra-curricular activities at West Salem High School.

Thank you again for supporting the band program and I personally want to thank you for supporting me. I wish the best for the program in the fall and coming year.

Kami Hettwer

Band Booster Special Meeting, May 28, 6:15 pm in the WSHS Commons

The hour before the Spring Band Concert on May 28, the band boosters will be holding a special meeting to nominate and elect positions for the 2009-2010 school year. Members of the band boosters are defined as all parents, stepparents, or guardians of all students who participate in West Salem High School band, colorguard, and drumline activities. Note: Each parent/guardian in attendance at a meeting is entitled to one vote in matters where members are eligible to vote. 

We invite you all to this special meeting as we look ahead to next year. Please don't be afraid to attend this meeting. It is possible to turn down a position if you are nominated. Your input is needed and several positions are open for the coming year. It is especially crucial that we elect a Chair and Vice Chair at this meeting. Here is the list of positions open as of today:

Band Directors|

    *Ike Nail

    *Brian Griffiths

Instructional Staff

    *John Freeman

    *Jen Freeman

    *Alan Keown

Executive Officers

    *Chair: OPEN immediately

    Vice Chair: OPEN immediately

    Treasurer/Student Accounts: Vickie Tuttle

    Secretary: Connie Phillips

Standing Committee Chairs

    News Letter Editor/Parent Liaison: Shannon Riggs

    Fundraising Coordinator: OPEN

       SCRIP: OPEN

       Car washes: OPEN

       Entertainment Books: OPEN

      Wreaths: Sheila Muller

      Concessions: OPEN

    Uniforms Coordinator: Deanna Garney and Connie Phillips

        Marching: OPEN

        Concert: OPEN

        Guard: Stacy Larson

    Jazz Band Coordinator: Alyson Baker

    Public Relations Coordinator: OPEN

Special Committee Chairs

    Music Day Coordinators: Orval and Denise Gilmore

    Spring Trip Coordinator for 2010-1011: OPEN

        Air/Ground Transportation: OPEN

        Equipment: OPEN

        Medical: OPEN

        Chaperones: OPEN

        Fund Raising: OPEN

    Fall Marching Band Coordinator: OPEN

        Registrar: OPEN

        Band Camp Coordinator: Michelle Pavelek

        Foods: Gilmore, Mitchell, and Bess

        Bus Chaperone/Emergency Coordinator: OPEN

        Venue Site Coordinator: Scott Liesinger

        Assistants: Steve Anderson, Daron Hill

        Pit Crew: Michael McIntosh and Steve Anderson

        Equipment Loading/Transportation Coordinator: Vickie Tuttle

    Fall Colorguard Coordinator: Stacy Larson

    Winter Percussion Coordinator: OPEN

    Winter Colorguard Coordinator: OPEN

* Non-voting Member of the Board of Directors, with the exception of the Band Chair who shall vote in the case of a tie vote.

Update: Band Uniforms Due May 28

Correction from previous newsletters: ALL Band students must turn in their concert attire following the final May 28th band concert. Thank you!

Marching Band Registration Opening Soon

Information will be coming out soon about our Fall Marching band season. Fare share fees and dates for camp are yet to be determined.

CCTV Videos of WSHS Performances at State

CCTV will again make a DVD of all the WSHS groups' performances at the state contests.

 

Volunteers Needed for Teacher Appreciation Luncheon May 27

Now is the time when we as parents show our appreciation to the teachers and staff who work with our kids in so many ways on a daily basis.  Many of us are connected with the teachers already, however a group effort on the part20of the parents and families of West students means a lot to the teachers.

We are gearing up for our annual teacher appreciation luncheon.  It will be held on Wednesday May 27 during both lunches in the Titan room.  We have selected a menu and now we need to get people signed up to help bring food.  In the past, some people have wanted to just donate some money towards the luncheon, that will probably be okay too.  Missy Page will be coordinating our efforts.  What I need from each of the booster presidents is a list of names of people who will sign up for different things.  I think that there are individuals who are willing to help outside of our booster groups too, we will try to contact them as well.  Foundation members feel free to sign up for stuff as well!  We will also need servers the day of the luncheon, so let us know if you want to serve too.

We are need approximately 8 people from each group to donate food items.

These are:

1 pan chicken enchiladas to serve 10-12

1 pan beef enchiladas to serve 10-12

1 crockpot of taco seasoned ground beef

1 crockpot of spanish rice

1 crockpot black beans

1 large bag salad (costco size)

1 large cake or pan of brownies

1 chopped onion, 3 sliced tomatoes

If Athletics, ABC, Grad party and Music each donate the above items that will make a huge difference!  Extra items that may also be donatated: 1 bag of lemons, 2 bags of ice, 1 lg bag shredded cheese, 3 jars of salsa, paper plates, utensils, cups and napkins for 120 staff members.

Contact Christy Beckstrom at beckstromfam@gmail.com.

Important Dates

Here are some important dates. Please mark your calendars! (Note: New dates & times have been added since the last newsletter!)

May 15:           State Orchestra Competition, LaSells Stewart Center, OSU, 7:30

May 16:           State Band Competition, OSU, LaSells Stewart Center, OSU, 4:15

**May 19:      Band Awards 6 pm** We have scheduled an early start so that Dr. Nail can be recognized later that evening at the Oregon Symphony Concert Series in Salem as Music Educator of the Year. Violinist Joshua Bell will be performing at this concert; student tickets are available. More information available here: http://www.orsymphony.org/salem/edu/educator.aspx.

May 23:                Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)

May 28:                Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)

 May 29:               Jazz Night, West Salem HS

**June 1:            Final Orchestra Concert**

June 4:                  Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds (Students need to meet at the Pavillion at the Fairgrounds, a bus will bring them back to West Times to be announced)

 

Music Booster Meeting Tuesday

The Music Boosters meet each month on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Band Room. The next meeting is Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 6:30. We hope to see you there!

SCRIP Orders Still Being Taken – Build Your Student’s Personal Account

SCRIP orders need to be placed by Tuesday mornings at 9 am each week to receive your SCRIP cards the following week. Stock up now on Safeway Cards, Walgreens Cards, Movie Tickets, and more. If you’re spending money at these places anyway, you might as well have some of those funds coming back to the band and to your student’s personal accounts. 

Reminder: Concert Attire Must Be Returned Soon

All seniors must turn in their concert attire following the final concert in May, and the remaining students need to return their concert attire following graduation. This gives us about a two week period for all attire to be returned and accounted for.

Reminder: School policy states that any students who do not return their attire will have their grades withheld or be charged a fee of $200 for a tux or $150 for a dress.

Friends of Music Supports Chris Brantley, Nancy MacMorris-Adix, and Rick Kimball in Upcoming School Board Election

For your information: The Friends of Music has released the following statement of support for the upcoming School Board Election:

On April 6, the Salem-Keizer Friends of Music joined with the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality and Stand for Children to hold a Salem-Keizer School Board candidate forum. All of the candidates for Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7 were invited. Chris Brantley, Nancy MacMorris-Adix, Patrick Sieng and Rick Kimball participated. Salem-Keizer School Board members hold important positions in our community. They represent the public--the owners of the schools--set policies, evaluate the level of success of the schools and set future directions. This is an important election.

Based on this  forum and our knowledge of the work of the candidates, the Friends of Music unanimously voted the following statements of support:

 Zone 1: Chris Brantley

We are impressed with his understanding of school important school issues, his experience in education, his long-standing support of music education, his initiative to meet with principals to see what is working  and what needs improvement, and his willingness to meet with the public in this candidate forum.

Zone 3: Nancy MacMorris-Adix

We are impressed with her 15 years of work in Zone 3 as a parent and community member to make schools better for students, her direct work in support of music and a complete education,  her practical understanding of the wide range of issues facing the schools today and her calm, intelligent judgment.

Zone 5: Rick Kimball

We are impressed with his work in his first four year term, his understanding of the important school issues, his support of a comprehensive education that includes strong music instruction, his support of excellence in instruction that is easily seen in music instruction, and his participation in the candidate forum.

The Friends of Music pledge to work with our schools and community to keep education strong during this economic crisis and to maintain a comprehensive education that prepares our young people for success in life.

We encourage everyone to vote for the candidate of their choice -- that's how democracy works best. Ballots will reach the home in early May, and will be due May 19. Please join us in supporting our schools by casting your vote.

Alan Bushong

President, Salem-Keizer Friends of Music

Important Dates

Here are some important dates. Note the new addition on May 19! Please mark your calendars!

May 15: State Orchestra Competition, OSU

May 16: State Band Competition, OSU

**May 19: Spring Band Awards** (New addition to calendar)

May 23: Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)

May 28: Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)

May 29: Jazz Night, West Salem HS

June 4: Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds (Students need to meet at the Pavillion at the Fairgrounds, a bus will bring them back to West. Times to be announced)

Pre-State Concert

The Choir, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra are all qualified and accepted to play at state. These groups will all be performing at Thursday’s Pre-State Concert, which begins at 7:00 pm. Students will receive their call times in class.

URGENT! We need **Raffle Items,** Garden Supplies, Store-Bought Baked Goods, and Volunteers for April 30 Concert Fundraiser

**Raffle items are especially needed at this time—we have only three so far. No time to shop? Bring your cash donations and place them in the box in the band room by Thursday morning, and Kami will shop for you!**

This year during Band Camp, students will be fitted for marching attire and concert attire. In order to do this, the band boosters need to purchase more garment bags and hangers. The plume bag also needs to replaced.  In order to fund these purchases, we will be holding a bake sale and a raffle at the Pre-State Concert on April 30th.  Our goal is to raise $300.  The Choir and Orchestra will be participating in this fundraising event as well.  

Bake Sale and Raffle Items Needed

We need donations of store-bought bake sale items (cookies, brownies, etc. -- single serve items) and raffle items (such as gift cards, etc.).  We already have a beautiful quilt donated by a Wind Ensemble parent!  As regards the bake sale goods, District policy does not allow for home-baked goods to be sold for public events; therefore, donations need to be store bought.

Gardening Baskets

Each participating music group also will be putting together a basket of gardening items. The band students' basket will be along the lines of a gardening theme. Students are being asked to provide items for the basket; such as small gardening tools, gloves, seed packets, fertilizer spikes, or anything that goes with gardening.

Donations can be brought the night of the concert of dropped off in the band room prior to the concert.  We are asking that the items be labeled "Band," “Orchestra,” or “Choir,” as the proceeds will be split between music sections according to donation volume.

We will also need a few parent and student volunteers to help staff the tables.

Please contact Connie Phillips at 503-391-6082 or conniephillips1956@yahoo.com.  In order to prepare enough display space and volunteer staff ahead of time, a quick call or email from those donating would be appreciated! If this event is successful, we may repeat it on May 28. Stay tuned!

Friends of Music Supports Chris Brantley, Nancy MacMorris-Adix, and Rick Kimball in Upcoming School Board Election

For your information: The Friends of Music has released the following statement of support for the upcoming School Board Election:

On April 6, the Salem-Keizer Friends of Music joined with the Salem-Keizer Coalition for Equality and Stand for Children to hold a Salem-Keizer School Board candidate forum. All of the candidates for Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7 were invited. Chris Brantley, Nancy MacMorris-Adix, Patrick Sieng and Rick Kimball participated. Salem-Keizer School Board members hold important positions in our community. They represent the public--the owners of the schools--set policies, evaluate the level of success of the schools and set future directions. This is an important election.

Based on this  forum and our knowledge of the work of the candidates, the Friends of Music unanimously voted the following statements of support:

Zone 1: Chris Brantley

We are impressed with his understanding of school important school issues, his experience in education, his long-standing support of music education, his initiative to meet with principals to see what is working  and what needs improvement, and his willingness to meet with the public in this candidate forum.

Zone 3: Nancy MacMorris-Adix

We are impressed with her 15 years of work in Zone 3 as a parent and community member to make schools better for students, her direct work in support of music and a complete education,  her practical understanding of the wide range of issues facing the schools today and her calm, intelligent judgment.

Zone 5: Rick Kimball

We are impressed with his work in his first four year term, his understanding of the important school issues, his support of a comprehensive education that includes strong music instruction, his support of excellence in instruction that is easily seen in music instruction, and his participation in the candidate forum.

The Friends of Music pledge to work with our schools and community to keep education strong during this economic crisis and to maintain a comprehensive education that prepares our young people for success in life.

We encourage everyone to vote for the candidate of their choice--that's how democracy works best. Ballots will reach the home in early May, and will be due May 19. Please join us in supporting our schools by casting your vote.

Alan Bushong

President, Salem-Keizer Friends of Music

SCRIP Orders Still Being Taken – Build Your Student’s Personal Account

SCRIP orders need to be placed by Tuesday mornings at 9 am each week to receive your SCRIP cards the following week. Stock up now on Safeway Cards, Walgreens Cards, Movie Tickets, and more. If you’re spending money at these places anyway, you might as well have some of those funds coming back to the band and to your student’s personal accounts. 

Reminder: Concert Attire Must Be Returned Soon

All seniors must turn in their concert attire following the final concert in May, and the remaining students need to return their concert attire following graduation. This gives us about a two week period for all attire to be returned and accounted for.

Reminder: School policy states that any students who do not return their attire will have their grades withheld or be charged a fee of $200 for a tux or $150 for a dress.

Important Dates

Here are some important dates. Please mark your calendars!

April 30: Pre-State Concert, West Salem HS

May 2: State Solo Competition, U of O

   8:00 AM Brandon Braun, Orchestra Snare

    8:10 AM Jordan Bayles, Trombone

    9:10 AM Anna Stipe, Bassoon

    9:40 AM Joshua Hettwer, Clarinet

    9:50 AM Jackie Lubbers, Alto Voice

    11:10 AM Matthew Hettwer, Trombone

    11:20 AM Jesse Wertz, Oboe

    1:10 PM Brendon Pavelek, Trumpet

    2:40 PM Joe Hurley, Trumpet

    2:50 PM Alauna Perry, Mallets

    3:20 PM Ellie Folia, Mezzo Voice

    4:10 PM Brendon Seeley, Multiple Percussion

May 15: State Orchestra Competition, OSU

May 16: State Band Competition, OSU

May 23: Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)

May 28: Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)

May 29: Jazz Night, West Salem HS

June 4: Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds (Students need to meet at the Pavillion at the Fairgrounds, a bus will bring them back to West Times to be announced)

S-K bands will play for state titles

Most groups had to wait until Monday to get the final word
By Barbara CurtinStatesman Journal

Salem-Keizer schools will be hard to miss at the state music competitions in mid-May.
District string ensembles and symphony orchestras will account for nine of the 21 groups chosen to play at the Orchestra State Championships on May 15 at Oregon State University.

As with choirs and bands, most groups that qualified for state during district competitions had to wait until Monday for final word from the Oregon School Activities Association. Independent judges had to further narrow the finalists in some categories by listening to tapes.

These Salem-Keizer string orchestras will compete at Oregon State University on May 15: McKay, 8 a.m.; McNary, 8:50 a.m.; West Salem, 10:20 a.m.; Sprague, 1:45 p.m.; South Salem, 2:35 p.m.

These full symphony orchestras will compete that afternoon and evening: North Salem, 3:50 p.m.; Sprague, 4:25 p.m.; South Salem, 6:20 p.m.; and West Salem, 7:30 p.m.

These bands will compete in the Class 6A State Band Championships at OSU on May 16: McKay, 9 a.m.; McNary, 10:45 a.m.; Sprague, 2 p.m.; West Salem, 4:15 p.m; and South Salem, 6:45 p.m.

These Salem-Keizer high schools will compete in the Class 6A Choir State Championships on May 9 at George Fox University in Newberg: West Salem, 2:40 p.m.; North Salem, 3:40 p.m.; South Salem, 5 p.m.; McNary, 5:40 p.m.; and Sprague, 6 p.m.

Solo Night – Tonight! (Thurs. 4/23)
Solo night begins at 7:00 pm at the WSHS Auditorium. Students from the Band, Choir and Orchestra will be performing. Come support our students as they prepare for the State Solo Competition.

Thanks to Students and Volunteers!
Thank you to the students and volunteers who helped with the Central Valley League Band Festival and the Orchestra Invitational Festival last Friday and Saturday. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard on and off stage to make these two events so successful!

Salem-Keizer Schools one of the “Best Communities for Music Education”
Salem-Keizer was named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM Foundation. Click here for the details. The award acknowledges schools and districts who continue to support music education in schools.

Raffle Items, Garden Supplies, Store-Bought Baked Goods, and Volunteers Needed for April 30 Fundraiser
This year during Band Camp, students will be fitted for marching attire and concert attire. In order to do this, the band boosters need to purchase more garment bags and hangers. The plume bag also needs to replaced. In order to fund these purchases, we will be holding a bake sale and a raffle at the Pre-State Concert on April 30th. Our goal is to raise $300. The Choir and Orchestra will be participating in this fundraising event as well.

Bake Sale and Raffle Items Needed
We need donations of store-bought bake sale items (cookies, brownies, etc. -- single serve items) and raffle items (such as gift cards, etc.). We already have a beautiful quilt donated by a Wind Ensemble parent! As regards the bake sale goods, District policy does not allow for home-baked goods to be sold for public events; therefore, donations need to be store bought.

Gardening Baskets
Each participating music group also will be putting together a basket of gardening items. The band students' basket will be along the lines of a gardening theme. Students are being asked to provide items for the basket; such as small gardening tools, gloves, seed packets, fertilizer spikes, or anything that goes with gardening.

Donations can be brought the night of the concert of dropped off in the band room prior to the concert. We are asking that the items be labeled "Band," “Orchestra,” or “Choir,” as the proceeds will be split between music sections according to donation volume.

We will also need a few parent and student volunteers to help staff the tables.

Please contact Connie Phillips at 503-391-6082 or conniephillips1956@yahoo.com. In order to prepare enough display space and volunteer staff ahead of time, a quick call or email from those donating would be appreciated! If this event is successful, we may repeat it on May 28. Stay tuned!

Important Dates
Here are some important dates. Please mark your calendars!
April 23: Solo Night
April 25: Prom
April 30: Pre-State Concert, West Salem HS

May 2: State Solo Competition, U of O

• 8:00 AM Brandon Braun, Orchestra Snare
  
• 8:10 AM Jordan Bayles, Trombone
  
• 9:10 AM Anna Stipe, Bassoon
  
• 9:40 AM Joshua Hettwer, Clarinet
  
• 9:50 AM Jackie Lubbers, Alto Voice
  
• 11:10 AM Matthew Hettwer, Trombone
  
• 11:20 AM Jesse Wertz, Oboe
  
• 1:10 PM Brendon Pavelek, Trumpet
  
• 2:40 PM Joe Hurley, Trumpet
  
• 2:50 PM Alauna Perry, Mallets
  
• 3:20 PM Ellie Folia, Mezzo Voice
  
• 4:10 PM Brendon Seeley, Multiple Percussion

May 15: State Orchestra Competition, OSU
May 16: State Band Competition, OSU
May 23: Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)
May 28: Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)
May 29: Jazz Night, West Salem HS

June 4: Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds (Students need to meet at the Pavillion at the Fairgrounds, a bus will bring them back to West Times to be announced)

Area honored for its music education

S-K is only Oregon district on industry group's list of 124

By Barbara Curtin
Statesman Journal

Salem-Keizer is one of 124 "best communities" for music education in the country, the NAMM Foundation said recently.

The music-industry group chose winners from more than 500 school districts that completed detailed questionnaires on such topics as funding, graduation requirements, music-class participation, instruction time, facilities and support for music programs. The survey was developed and administered by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Salem-Keizer was the only Oregon school district on the list.

"We're really pleased to have received that award but not surprised," said Brian Griffiths, the associate director of bands at West Salem High School. "This community really does support its music programs. That's one of the reasons it's a great place to teach."

A lot of the credit, he said, should go to Karl Raschkes, the district supervisor of music education, who looks nationwide to hire the best music teachers he can.

Marianne Stipe, a parent who has been active in Friends of Music for about five years, said Salem-Keizer already has a national reputation for excellence.

"Our daughter is going into music education at Eastern Illinois University," she said. "She was given a substantial scholarship based on her academics and music. When she auditioned there and gave them a playlist of things she had played in high school, they were blown away by the level at which our bands perform."

Gifted children aren't the only reason that the district should continue to invest in its music program, she said.

"Music reaches out to all kids: the high academic achievers and the not-so-high who keep coming to school because (band or choir) is the place where they belong."

The NAMM Foundation is the philanthropic arm of an international association representing businesses that make and distribute music products of all kinds, said Mary Luehrsen, the foundation's executive director. It works on projects to encourage music making by people of all ages.

West Area Band Festival Mon. 4/13, 7:30 p.m.
Reminder: This Monday is the West Area Band Festival. WSHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble, and the Walker Symphonic Band will be performing.

Volunteers Needed Fri. 4/17 & Sat. 4/18 – Central Valley League Band Festival at West
Parents and responsible students: We need your help! Jobs can be divided into 2-4 hour shifts. If you are willing to help on Saturday please email Kami Hettwer mkhett@aol.com. Here’s what we need help with:

• Door monitors (these performances are recorded... there can be NO disruptions from the audience)
  
• Runners for the CD recording guy
  
• One assistant for each judge to help with running scores and fulfilling any 
  
• Other needs like water, food, etc...
  
• Monitors for each room
  
• Monitors for the Commons where the bands/orchestras will be dumping their stuff
  
• 2 or 3 people (at least 2 adults) for the check-in/Welcome table.

We will also be selling food and drinks on both Friday and Saturday. Profits will go to the Boosters. If you can help make Costco runs, organizing, or selling please contact Kami Hettwer mkhett@aol.com.

Performance Schedule:
Friday April 17: Central Valley League Band Festival at West
Wind Ensemble performs at 6:10 PM

Saturday April 18" Central Valley League Band Festival at West
Advanced Strings perform at 8:30 AM
Symphony Orchestra performs at 1:35 PM
Bake Sale Volunteers Needed for April 30 and May 28

We will be having a bake sale and raffle at the April 30th Pre-State Concert and our May 28th Spring Band Concert. If you are interested in helping with the organizing of this event please contact Connie Phillips at conniephillips1956@yahoo.com.

Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Honored at Seattle Heritage Festival
Please see the attached note from Michelle Pavelek detailing this event!

Important Dates
Here are some important dates. Please mark your calendars! (Note: New dates have been added since the last newsletter!)

April 13: West Area Band Festival, all bands, West Salem HS
April 17: League Band Festival, Wind Ensemble, West Salem HS
April 18: League Orchestra Festival, Symphony Orchestra, West Salem HS
April 23: Solo Night
April 25: Prom
April 28: Solo Night, West Salem HS
April 30: Pre-State Concert, West Salem HS
May 2: State Solo Competition, U of O
8:00 AM Brandon Braun, Orchestra Snare
8:10 AM Jordan Bayles, Trombone
9:10 AM Anna Stipe, Bassoon
9:40 AM Joshua Hettwer, Clarinet
9:50 AM Jackie Lubbers, Alto Voice
11:10 AM Matthew Hettwer, Trombone
11:20 AM Jesse Wertz, Oboe
1:10 PM Brendon Pavelek, Trumpet
2:40 PM Joe Hurley, Trumpet
2:50 PM Alauna Perry, Mallets
3:20 PM Ellie Folia, Mezzo Voice
4:10 PM Brendon Seeley, Multiple Percussion

May 15: State Orchestra Competition, OSU
May 16: State Band Competition, OSU
May 23: Jazz Ensemble Recording Session (WSHS)
May 28: Spring Band Concert (7:30 WSHS)
May 29: Jazz Night, West Salem HS
June 4: Graduation, Salem Fair Grounds (Students need to meet at the Pavillion at the Fairgrounds, a bus will bring them back to West Times to be announced)

Friends of Music Volunteer **Still Needed**
WSHS Music Boosters are currently seeking a volunteer to be our liaison with the Friends of Music organization. WSHS is currently the only SK high school not represented at Friends of Music. The Friends of Music is an organization that advocates for music programs in the SK Schools. The group meets one evening every other month. If you are interested, please let Kami know (mkhett@aol.com) and contact Alan Bushong at bushong5@comcast.net, and let him know you are from WSHS. If you would like to know more about the group, please direct questions to Alan.

---

Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band Honored at Seattle Heritage Festival

The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band took top honors at the Seattle Heritage Festival on April 4. Both groups won first place in their categories and received a “Gold” rating. The competition included choir and band groups from across the country. Leading music educators judged the groups and provided an on-stage clinic for our students.

The bands performed at the Auburn Performing Arts Center and then enjoyed a harbor cruise to Tillicum Island for a Native American Show and an awards ceremony. Other awards earned included:

Sweepstakes Award - awarded to the school with the 2 highest scoring band or choir groups in the festival

Outstanding Band Group Award

Adjudicators Award - awarded to the school with an average score of 92 or above out of 100.

Maestro Awards - awarded to outstanding individual musicians

Matt Garney - trombone

Matt Hettwer - trombone

Katie Baker - bass

The Wind Ensemble received a special invitation to perform in a Heritage Festival Gold. These festivals include bands from around the country who have also received a “gold” rating.

Congratulations Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band students and directors!

On Sunday, the students enjoyed a fun day at the Experience Music Project Museum, the Pacific Science Center and Pike Street Market. The weather was fabulous - not a drop of rain! On Monday, the Wind Ensemble participated in a clinic with Dr. Tim Salzman, the Director of Bands at the University of Washington. He provided valuable musical instruction to help prepare the band for the upcoming district and state competitions.

I would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to the following people:

Our great band directors, Dr. Ike Nail and Mr. Griffiths

The chaperones - Vickie Tuttle, Marianne & Marty Stipe, Jackie Maltzan, Jim Pavelek

A special “Thanks” to Vickie Tuttle, who helped with trip planning

The check-in volunteers - Trudy McKinnell and Deanna Garney

Bridget Mitchell - for shopping for food and snacks

Parents of students who went on the trip and parents who drove up for the Festival

Shannon Riggs, newsletter editor

Our wonderful group of Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band students. Our bus driver, Dawn, said that our students were the most polite high school students that she has ever taken on a trip!

This was definitely a fun and enriching experience for our band students!

Thanks,

Michelle Pavelek