September 18, 2007

Greetings Viking Band Members & Parents!

We are finally getting into a routine of school and it feels good. I can’t believe that Parent Teacher conferences are just around the corner. We have a few news items for you. Most are reminders with a few event times for you planning. So let’s go!

We will have a pep band at this Thursday’s Football game at SM South. Meet at the Southwest gate where we normally enter at 6:30p.m. We must go in together. Wear this years’ band T-shirt. All freshmen through seniors are welcome. Transportation is on your own. Take your instrument home after school. The band room will not be unlocked prior to the game nor after.

Next Wednesday (Sep. 26) is our visit from Lord Roger Bramble and Mr. Robert Bone from London. The main ceremony will begin between 5:50 and 6:00 p.m. Let’s do everything we can to show support for these gentlemen flying all the way from London just to visit with us and a couple of other schools. This is Lord Bramble’s first visit to SM West. By the way, if you address him, the appropriate address is Lord Bramble NOT Mr. Bramble or Lord Roger. This is very formal. I don’t want anyone to be embarrassed. We should be finished by 7:00 p.m.

Spaghetti Dinner Ticket Reminder - Tickets were made available for sale on Sept 17, 2007. Money for the Spaghetti Dinner tickets is due to the band room on Tuesday October 2. Please help your student sell all their tickets to support your Viking Band. This is our largest fundraising event. The sales contest will conclude on October 2 as well. Please return all money and unsold tickets to the band office at this time.

Spaghetti Dinner Auction - Parents, please help us with donations for the live and silent auction. We are asking that all donations be turned in by Saturday October 6. Donation forms can be viewed and printed on the website. Please contact Ken or Ginny Jones, Doug Blank or Jim or Nancy Allen to arrange delivery or pick up of an item.

Students, do you have special skill you would like to donate to help West Band? Do you mow lawns, do yard work, baby-sit, house sit, wash cars or tutor? Would you and a friend like to donate your services? If you donate a service to the Auction, it should be something you do very well to ensure the satisfaction of the paying customer. Also, by donating your service, you are making a commitment, so be sure you follow through on that commitment. If you are willing to donate a service, print out a donation form from the website and give it to the band director. Be sure to include all the students involved and a detailed description of the service (eg. One lawn mowing, bagged, includes weed eating and clearing of debris from driveway and sidewalks)

Performance Times – Still approximate at this time.

September 29 - Overland Park Parade and Blue Valley Marching Festival

October 20 - K-State Marching Festival (One meal will be provided. Take money for concessions)

If you have London deposits, I need it by the end of the week WITH the signed “Statement of Understanding” from each participant. Sheri Resa, London treasurer is working her fingers to the bone to update the fundraising and deposit information. Please check the Charms site to see if your items have been updated. If not give us another week or so. Thanks for your patience. Please understand, organizing a trip of this nature is like running a small business. Just remember, this business is being manned by all volunteers! Be kind to the help. They all have regular jobs like you and are giving of their free time. Are you involved yet? What can you do for the good of the band? Contact Nancy Allen if you have some time you could donate. We love our Band-Aides!

That’s all for today. May you always play in tune and march in step!

___________________________

Bill Thomas

Director of Bands

Shawnee Mission West High School

email: wethomas@smsd.org

voice: 913-993-7852