Marching “ends”, Concert begins!

What a fantastic marching season it’s been!  Each contest affirmed that our students are very talented, passionate, well-trained in the arts, and hard-working.  At our first contest (SRC), percussion got the top score; second contest (JSU) – first place band, percussion, and drum major, second place guard; and at the State Championship, our band got third, while percussion and drum major ranked second.  More importantly though, these students have had a blast putting this show together, getting to perform it fresh many times as it evolved and improved – making memories and learning some important life lessons along the way.  I feel very blessed to get to be a part of the experience they get and am excited for the future opportunities band can provide!
*I’d like to thank all of the wonderful parents who have served at any time throughout this entire season, working in the concession stand, volunteering for chaperoning and equipment crew, and helping coordinate efforts.  You are really who have make this possible.  Namely – President King with equipment logistics and this year’s heavy props, Mr. Smythe and Mr. Bowman driving our new tractor trailer keeping everything safe, and Mrs. Posey and Mrs. Sparks for being sure we always had chaperones, uniforms, and so many other little details taken care of.  There are many more names of folks whose contributions keep this program running (including treasurers, concessions VPs, fundraising VP, and secretary) and parents who sign up again and again for services needed.  So please know that from our students, our staff, and me, we are so appreciative of the time and efforts you have made for us!  And we hope the experience has been a good one, getting to see your student up close and behind-the-scenes.

As we close out marching band, in terms of show performances, there are just a few more “marching band” activities – next Monday’s Veterans Parade, next Friday’s Havoc game, and the Christmas Parade.  Otherwise, we are in full swing concert band.  Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals will continue for our winds and percussion students.  Also, on Tuesday and Thursday, we will take 4th block class time to go out and practice our parade technique with the Armed Forces parade music so students need to come prepared for that.

Next Monday’s Huntsville Veterans Day Parade Details will be provided soon.  (We will take buses from BHS to down town, in uniform.)

This Thursday, November 8th, Mr. Markham has approved a small ensemble of winds & percussion to perform for Riverton Elementary School‘s Veterans program.  We will work out who this will be today, in rehearsal.  These students will come to school in concert attire, leaving at 8:30.  They will miss 1st block and half of 2nd block.
This Friday, November 9th, is our own Veterans Program for which all winds and percussion will wear their concert attire to school, but bring a change of clothes.  We will perform in conjunction with the Buckhorn Choir on a few hefty patriotic selections (for which we have 4 days to prepare!).  The program will begin shortly after 10:30 on Friday, and is open to the public.

Winter Guard auditions will be Nov 13 and 15 from 6-8 and Indoor Percussion auditions will be announced soon.