Sunday, May 28, 2017

Raider Classic Steering Committee Meets

     This past Saturday, some members of the Raider Classic Steering Committee met at Carrie's Restaurant in Montpelier for breakfast and to begin discussions about this edition of Raider Classic.  Over 90% of the choir students chose this event when posed the question "What events that the choir holds each year would you definitely like to keep?  The list included every fund raising and performance event we do on an annual basis.  Raider Classic features show choirs from across the state of Indiana and Ohio.  It is always very well received by our visiting schools and their directors.  Our mission, reviewed at our first meeting, is to serve Southern Wells and its music students with an opportunity to plan and implement an event that will promote our school and serve the needs of small school/show choir programs across the state of Indiana and Midwest region of the country.  The event further provides opportunity for our students and music staff to interact with top notch musicians and programs while providing service and funding opportunities for local area businesses and school groups.  Show choir directors will receive registration information soon in order to join us for the 16th Annual Raider Classic in 2018.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Graduation 2017

     One of the the most important performances of the year for the Choirs and Band at Southern Wells are our performances at the Commencement Ceremony each year.  And, it always occurs after school is out for the summer break.  This creates challenges for us as an organization each year.  It is where we find out who our committed musicians are in the program.
     How do we keep our musical skills fine tuned and our instruments, whether it be a trumpet or the voice, in prime working order in the days between final exams and the graduation ceremony?  I encourage all of our musicians to keep in mind that our school year isn't truly over until the last tassel is turned on Sunday afternoon June 4th  Watch email, Twitter, Facebook, and Remind for reminders of that fact.
     Some things that you can do individually include drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. This is important to vocal musicians, but is also important to healthy well being for instrumentalists as well.  Make it a point to play your music if you are in band to keep up your finger dexterity and embouchure muscles strong.  That also may include humming parts of the music that you have memorized.  Even better, get your instrument out of its case and actually play a little bit each day, more if you can.  Remember, we hope that you actually enjoy playing and singing and aren't just taking band or choir as just another class.  It is much more special than that.  Don't take it for granted!
     
Some dates to put on your calendar:

Sat, June 3rd - Band rehearsal - 10-11:45 AM in the gym with lunch provided at 11:30 AM.  Seniors please come          at 11:00 to practice "Groovee!"
   
Sun, June 4th - Graduation Day - 3:30 PM  (3:00 for band prelude concert)

I appreciate each and everyone of you and the role you play in the music department here at Southern Wells.

HS Choir at Street Fair 2017

HS Choir at Street Fair 2017