Wow

I cannot wait to get September behind us. I am pleased to be able to report that Bob Schaer is on the mend, a little sore, but making progress each day. You might want to droop him a line if you haven’t already done so.

 

All-State Auditions

Thanks to all who helped out with the auditions. James Byrne, Amy and Owen Bradley, Ron Porch, Marina Hanscom, Bob Schaer, Chuck Alfrey, Chris Owens, Kimberly Evans, Chuck Evans, Kay Dubbert, Les Kraus, Mary Santana, Jim Bruce and Norm Vagn all did a great job in making the auditions run smoothly. My compliments to the chef was heard all day. Thanks Dave for the delicious spread. If I left anyone else out it wasn’t intentional.

 

We had 99 students pay to audition. There were 66 Concert and Symphonic auditions held with 75 paying to audition. 21 out of 22 Middle School students auditioned and both Jazz Band auditions were held.

 

Thanks Greg again for making it possible for our students to audition with such great recording equipment

 

Classification

Yes the due date is October 15. New Directors are reminded to fill out the numbers for the appropriate grades in your school. Total the figures, get the signatures on the form and mail it to the district chair. I will determine your classification and then send it to the State Office. If you are requesting classification other than the one determined by your school enrollment please read up on what is needed in your letter. The normal late fees are applicable to late classification forms. If you have any questions call another director or the District Chair.

 

October Notable Dates

October 8      Honor Band Deadline

October 15      Classification Due

October  23     Marching MPA

 

Marching MPA      

Middle School and non marching high Schools. Be looking for the information from Victoria concerning the pre festival National Anthem. The rehearsal will begin at 6:00 and the performance will be at 6:30.

 

High School you will be receiving all of your Marching MPA information by email. Your chaperone badges (1/10 band members) will be available when you arrive at Manatee High School.

 

Bayshore, Charlotte and Venice will be going out of district. Cypress Lake from Lee County will be attending our MPA.

 

It looks like we will have 12 bands performing this year.

 

 

Solo and ensemble Music show

Florida Music Service has reserved the date of our November meeting to come and do the S/E Music showcase. I have only heard from one director about this. If I do not hear from at least 3 others I will contact them and cancel. If they do come they have asked that a high school furnish 6—8 students to help load and unload. He is willing to give a store credit to the school which provides the help.

 

 

 

Mentors

I have 2 new directors that do not have a  mentor assigned to them. If you are interested please let me know.

 

Judge Update

Dennis again was able to get another judge  for our Jazz Band panel. Dale Blackwell  is from the Jacksonville area and we look forward to having him judge in our district. We are still needing another percussion judge for S/E as well as for auxiliary. I appreciate the work that the committee has done and they will soon have all of the positions filled.

 

Deadline Extended

The deadline to get the applications in for the middle school and small school honor bands is officially extended until October 8, 2004.  Make sure you have the correct info and signatures and check with the application. 

 

Final Word

I can only imagine what each of you are dealing with trying to pull together your  band programs. Everyone has been affected in some way or another, even those of us who were out of the main path of the storms. We will all get through this and time will make things better for us all. As far as your job is concerned just try to do the best you can with what you have to work with.  These judges are all aware of the setbacks and I am sure they will be very understanding. Our MPA provides our students an opportunity to shine for an audience that is in attendance solely to see them. Lets look at our MPA as a chance to showcase our students and to give them something creative and positive to experience.