Spring Band Awards Dinner/Concert

Band Concert Reminder:

The Spring Band Awards Concert and Carry-In Dinner is next Monday, May 18, 2015.   The dinner is at 6 PM with the concert and awards following at 7:00.  The following is recommended dishes to bring to the carry-in by class.

The band fund will provide drinks, plates, napkins, and silverware.

Seniors: Pasta dish (such as spaghetti, lasagna, chicken alfredo, etc.)

Juniors: Pasta dish

Sophomores: Side Dishes (salad, vegetable, etc.)

Freshman: Desserts

8th Graders: Finger Foods (breadsticks, garlic bread, other)

7th Graders: Anything you would like to bring.

Counting Down or Building Up??

The SWHS staff has been challenged to finish the year strong by building up to a finale.  Prompted from a Tweet by Noah Geisel @senorG, I see it basically as an "is the glass half full or half empty?" argument, but believe it can make a difference!  I was initially convinced that with all of the challenges of being in a new position, how could I be blamed for counting down the days until the end of the year.  Then, I decided to accept the challenge and began to look for ways to build up to at least a "good" finale.  Some ways I am doing this include:

1. Getting to better know the musicians in my groups, so I can plan for more effective future instruction and performances.  This includes "Cover Projects" by members of the Junior High Choir.  Sight-Reading some new music with the Junior High Band.  And, sight-reading music with the HS Choir.
2. Holding brainstorming sessions with members of the HS Band and HS Choir to discuss things we can do better in the coming year, and reflecting on what we have done well this past year. This will include an analysis of the calendar of events for next year's concerts and other activities.
3. Putting together strong performances by both the band and the choir at this year's Commencement Program!  Both ensembles will include 7-12th grade students.

I am very proud of the growth that our students have had this past year.  But I also believe that we can be even better in 2016 and beyond!  Let's count up to a big finish to 2014-15 while looking ahead to the future!

Showcase 2015 Success!

The seniors in the choir put together quite a show for an appreciative audience this past Saturday night.  Much thanks goes to the underclassmen for your part in making the night one to remember.  Thank you to the catering company led by Chris Mossburg for a wonderful Italian dinner with desserts provided by Booster parents, Janetta Grover, Vivian Drennen, and Kelli Schriver.  Choir members served the meal to their guests with assistance from a few Junior High Choir members.  Thank you to Vanessa Haigh for providing the supper for the kids at their final evening rehearsal on Friday night and for picking up food between shows, Saturday.  Surely, next year's senior and other members of the choir are already generating ideas for Showcase 2016!!  Mr. Haigh is happy to have his first "showcase" behind him.  But, He is very excited for the kids that it went well for them!  Choir members from the class of 2015 include, Abby Gregg, Brooke Gephart, Codie O'Neal, Jessyca Baumgartner, Jasmine Lichtenberger, Kari Rains, Kelli Roush, and Lillie Hook