As the first quarter draws to a close this week I just want to say how great of a start this year has gotten off to. There is so much enthusiasm and positiveness (yes I know I should use real words and not make them up) that it has been a lot of fun for me.

Under each class page, I have added a page about practicing. These are some wonderful ideas to having very productive practice at home. If you practice productively you don’t need to practice as long as unproductive practice. Parents, please help me and your child out by trying to keep them following these practice ideas so they will not see practice as a burden but as a productive time that they learn in.

Here’s to next quarter being just as great, if not better, than last quarter!!!!!

On a different note, I hope you all have had the chance to read or watch President Obamas Speech. I feel that it is not a controvercial speech. I think that it has a good message that directly relates to what we are doing in band. His message is that if you don’t try you won’t have success. We all need to try hard. I can only take you so far if you don’t put in the effort. For us to succeed as a band and as humans, we must always put forth our best effort. I would highly suggest that all students read this speech. You can read it Here

And one final word. I still have space in my Group Guitar classes. They are offered on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-8 and from 3:30-4:15. If you are interested, please contact me ASAP so we can order a book. Yandas has a very high quality acoustic guitar for under $100. I would love to see many people take advantage of this class. The sole reason for the morning class is for high school students who have sports practice after school and for community members who have to work at the time of the afternoon class. I just hope to see a large turnout. I have people signed up who have never touched a guitar, and I have people signed up who have played for years. Everyone of any ability level can learn something from this class.

Have a great week

Also, if you are interested in taking guitar lessons, I am starting a group guitar class in October. The class will be Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-4:15 and Wednesday Morning from 7:15-8. These classes are open to anyone in the community and are FREE. Please let me know before Sept 22 if you wish to join in one of these classes.

Some important things to remember.

Make sure you look at the dates page under your specific band so that you can put them on your calender.  With smaller bands this year, it is important that everyone attend every event.

Remember, work is not an excused absence. Plan your work schedule around events that you are required to attend.

To keep your instrument in working condition, clean it regularly and have me look over it so that we are off to a good start for this school year .

Last but most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!!!! Playing in band is a wonderful experience and having a positive attitude when you walk in the door is the fastest way to have fun. If you want to have fun and are in the mood to have fun, you will have fun!!!

Here is a link to the article.

http://www.kearneyhub.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20354765&BRD=268&PAG=461&dept_id=577571&rfi=6

You are now officially famous Anthony. Enjoy it!

There will NOT be a Band Camp this year.  We have done enough work with the shrine bowl parade that we don’t need to have a band camp this year. So Next week when the calendar says band camp, we will not be having one. Enjoy your last weeks of summer!!!!

Things to remember for tomorrow, Wear Jeans, blue t-shirt, and tennis shoes when you come to the school at 7 AM. Bring clothes to change into afterwards if you wish. Bring money for supper and any shopping you plan on doing. Get some rest tonight! It will make tomorrow much more fun if you are well rested and feel good.

I’m excited and I hope you all are too!!!!!

For any parents who wish to ride the bus down to the parade and game, I do have about 4 extra tickets right now.  If you want to ride the bus down with us, just let me know so I can expect you.

It is official, we will get a picnic lunch with the Masonic All-Star Marching Band immediately following the parade. It will only be one block off the parade route so we won’t have to travel very far.

Parade attire is Jeans, no holes or dirt, a blue t-shirt, either Overton or any other blue T-shirt, not a polo shirt, and comfortable tennis or running shoes. No Jewelry or hats. After we are done with the parade, you can change into whatever you want, that still follows school dress code, for the rest of the day.

If you have any question, please post them in a comment here. 1 week away!!!!!!!!!!

And most of all, bring a good attitude! This is going to be fun if we all make it fun!!

I hope to update that information as often as I can when I receive new information so keep checking and refreshing the page to make sure you see the latest posts.