Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Fall Concert - Thursday

     The SW Music Department will be presenting their Fall concert this coming Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 PM. in the HS Cafetorium.
     Choir students will be wearing their new Choir shirts with jeans.  Choir students should plan to arrive at the school by 6:40 for a short vocal warmup session in the music room.  The shirts are expected to arrive at the school for distribution to the kids on Wednesday.
     Band students should arrive at 6:50 PM for their tuning and warm up.  They should plan to wear jeans and a nice shirt with a collar.  The order of the program will be as follows:
Junior High Band
Junior High Choir
High School Choir
High School Band
     Thanks to the following parents/adults for their help that evening.  Kelli Schriver, Music Room Chaperone and Jean Hughes, Sound.  We would like some help with Photography/Social Media to document the event.  A videographer would also be desired to provide material for a critique of the performance in class Friday.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

End of the Grading Period Coming Soon

     It's hard to believe that the first quarter of the 2016-17 school year is coming to a close. They say that "time flies when you are having fun,"  or that time goes faster as you get older...  I have to say that both statements ring true for me right now.  I am enjoying the year, my 31st year of teaching as much as I ever have.  It is challenging to be sure.  But, I continue to enjoy working with your kids.
     I continue to put into practice a book that I read over the summer and continue to read called "Getting Things Done."  It continues to transform how I approach projects and day to day activities.  It is a recommended read.  I have a long way to go in implementing it's practice.  But, things like a "two-minute" rule and using my mind to be creative rather than a storage bin for information have begun to transform my perspectives.
     In a couple of weeks, we will be hosting conferences with parents.  I invite all of our parents to come in to speak with our teachers.  I especially invite our music parents to speak with me about the program and your child's progress.  Conference times will be on Tuesday, October 18th from 3:30 - 7 PM and Wednesday, OCtober 19th from 8:00 AM to Noon.  Further info may be at SWRaiders.com.  Also, while there, be sure to give your input related to Mission 2020.  Use this opportunity to make your opinions heard.  I would of course encourage everyone to speak up for your support of the arts in our school.  But, most importantly your opinion is requested on every facet of our school and its future focus for the next five years.
     One highlight of the quarter included a busy week at the street fair including two performances by the Raider Force marching band and a return to the Street Fair Show Choir Show on Thursday by the HS Choir.  The food booth in its 57th year at the fair did very well with terrific weather all week.  The boosters raised about $3400.00.  Students were rewarded with $6.00 per hour worked in the booth.
     I look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!

HS Choir at Street Fair 2017

HS Choir at Street Fair 2017