February 19, 2008

Greetings everyone! February is moving at the speed of sound…… and lots of it. There are so many performances this month is it crazy. Thanks for all you do as parents and students to make the schedules work and to represent West in such a great manner.

The Winter Ball was a HUGE success. We had a wonderful crowd that enjoyed the evening with us. The decorations and food were superb. Thanks to everyone who had a part in this grand evening. There were many, many compliments toward the students and their professionalism in appearance as well as their playing. Having taught in three other regions of the state I can tell you that our students at West are the exception rather than the rule. Most school jazz bands cannot play the music these kids play nor can they do it as well. They are VERY talented! I had guests tell me how they sounded better than some professional band they dance to in the Kansas City area. My hat is off the students and parents the Shawnee Mission West Jazz Bands!

Senior night tonight for Pep Band. There is a small change in plans that the introductions will take place during half-time of the 7:00 game. Parents will meet in the entry way next to the pep band a couple of minutes before the end of the half to escort your student. BRAVO to all the senior pep band students for a great year and great leadership over your four years at West. There is no substitute for senior leadership!

Jazz Lab Ensemble will perform at the MNU Jazz Festival on Saturday, February 23 at 1:40 p.m. We will plan on meeting at West at 11:45 and departing at 12:15. After our performance we will watch and listen to some other groups before returning at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eat lunch before arriving at West. We will talk about dress tomorrow in class, but I am planning on Jazz Lab shirts and black pants unless the students would rather dress up.

KMEA All-State Band Members – I will have a detail sheet for you later this week. Parents, plan on attending their concert on Saturday at the designated times and then taking your son or daughter home with you.

BRAVO Iris Shelly. She participated in the State Piano Festival held this last Saturday (on top of playing at the Winter Ball) and received a I (Superior) rating! We’re proud of you Iris!

Solos and Ensembles – The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board next to the band office. Please sign up your solo or ensemble. I would love to get 10-15 ensembles going this year. I am selecting several ensembles for different groups to look at. Please join in the action. Symphonic Wind Ensemble members, this can be a great time for you to stretch your wings. Since we can’t divide the bands, you could work in a small ensemble for a little change of pace and also a chance to extend your abilities a little. Mr. Hupe and Mr. Esau could help some groups during class as well as using the seminar time. How many people can we get involved? 35? 45? 60? Let’s take a bunch of folks to contest this year. Let’s show how great West really is!

Until next time… Keep the music playing!

___________________________

Bill Thomas

Director of Bands

Shawnee Mission West High School

email: wethomas@smsd.org

voice: 913-993-7852