Senior Night & Pep Band Schedule Correction

     Mr. Haigh made a mistake in his recent communications about the Pep Band Schedule.  The Raider Force Pep Band really only has 2 remaining home games, not 3 as previously expressed.  They will next be in action during the boys game on Friday, February 20th.  Senior Night is Tuesday, February 24th. Along with some other team's senior recognitions, the band seniors will be recognized before the game with their parents!  Band seniors include: Daniel Schriver, Alto Saxophone; Vanessa Drennen, Trumpet; Josh Rhoton, Trombone; Codie O'Neal, Trombone; and Sara Crickard, Percussion & Tenor Saxophone.  Mr. Haigh appreciates their contributions to the band over the past several years, and he wishes them success in their future endeavors.

Illinois Loyalty

Union City Community (Illinois Loyalty) performed by the Illini Marching Band

Blogging Opportunity

     Hey music students!  Budding bloggers!  If you are interested, Mr. Haigh is opening up an opportunity for you to express yourself through the SWHS Music Room 201 Blog.  Got something that the band or choir is doing that you are especially proud of or an announcement that you would like to make.  Say it through our music blog!!  Mr. Haigh will be taking submissions for this immediately.  I am doing this to promote literacy across the disciplines, and maybe it will better promote the music department in the process.  You will be clearly identified as the author of the piece.  Due to the fact that these represent the music department, I will need to proof and approve the final publishing of all submissions.  But as a rule, I don't plan to sensor you.

Increased Band Spirit at Games

     One of the improvements that you may have noticed at ballgames recently has been the involvement of the band during time outs!  Mr. Haigh very much appreciates the extra time and effort that goes into this on the part of the band members.  We have tailored several of our pep band selections to fit into a shorter time window, so that they can be used during time outs of the ball games.  Some of these are as short as 7 seconds!  This is at times confusing to band members as to what version of a song we are playing.  And, having music ready to go at a moments notice presents its challenges as well.  Mr. Haigh uses cue cards to keep it straight.  These cue cards were designed by one of the band's resident artists, Vanessa Drennen.
     This past Saturday night was especially exciting with the last minute win by the Lady Raiders against Woodlan and about a week ago when the Men's team defeated Muncie Burris on a last second shot!  We hope to continue to expand our "time out" repertoire in the weeks to come.  The Raider Force will be in action this week as our teams compete in the Raider Dome.
     Next Monday, February 9th, the HS Concert Band will be performing in the South Adams Auditorium in the annual Winter Band Festival.  Guest conductor, Matt Conaway, from the Purdue Band Department will be conducting a combined ensemble of students from the Bellmont, South Adams, and Southern Wells Bands.  That concert takes place at 7:00 PM in the South Adams Auditorium.  The public is invited to this free event.