Hello BVN Band!

We send a lot of info via the band update, which means that these emails will sometimes get overlooked. (which I totally understand, no judgment!)

HOWEVER – THIS ONE has IMPORTANT info to read TODAY, for Members of the MAB and for anyone auditioning for ECKMEA.

MAB Members/Families – Please make sure to read the info about the return of the MAB, in performance, this week!  

Students Auditioning for ECKMEA – please make sure to read over two documents (which are linked here and also in the band update)

FOR EVERYONECLICK HERE for the complete Band Update, or Scroll down for a copy.  Happy Reading, and have a great Sunday!  Go Chiefs!

Musicall yours,
Mr. Freeman

 

–Begin Copy of the Band Update–

Band Update

October 25, 2020

​From the Director

​Dear BVN Band Family,

​A few years ago, one of our drum majors would keep telling everyone:  “Better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow” as we pushed through the “grind” moments of that particular marching season.  This phrase became a mantra for our marching season and band program for that school year. 

As we travel through this strange school year, we're navigating unknown waters, with all sorts of new wrinkles (bell covers, etc.), and missing the events that have previously defined our years.  Despite so many reasons to be bogged down, I find myself more optimistic and more proud than ever because of the wonderful work of our students. Our band students are making the best of all of it – showing up to hybrid band with great attitudes, ready to go, and getting better everyday.  “Better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow” is being proven true every single day by our band members.  It is inspiring and awesome to watch our students' phenomenal integrity and character shine through the unenviable hand they have been dealt.  We are going to have an incredible year, despite any out-of-our-control realities. 

From the bottom of my heart – a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our students.

 

​And now… to business!  We have a few important topics to be on top of over the next week and a half.  Thanks to everyone for your careful reading!  The quick summary is:

  • BVN Audition Recordings submitted this week!

  • All students auditioning for the ECKMEA Honor Bands – Time to finish up preparations and make recordings!

  • THE. RETURN. OF. THE. MAB!!

​BVN Audition Recordings- Submit this week via WoodShed Level 6!

  • ALL Students should submit their audition videos as part of the Level 6 WoodShed Assignments – due this Friday!

  • CLICK HERE for details.

ECKMEA Honor Band/Jazz Auditions:

  • Auditions cuts/scales will be released this Wednesday morning (10/27). 

  • All Students who are auditioning will have 1 week to make audition recordings.  

  • CLICK HERE To read through video recording instructions/requirements

  • IMPORTANT:  Make sure your audio quality is the best it can be!  READ THIS DOCUMENT NOW/TODAY 

​The RETURN of  the MAB!

  • Congrats to our FB team for a big win this past Friday, which earned them a Home Game for the First Round of Playoffs, this coming Friday 10/30!

  • The MAB will Perform!  Here's the plan for Friday:​​

    • 4:00 – Unload trailer at DAC.  (loading trailer at BVN earlier in the day, TBD).​

    • 4:30 – REHEARSAL

    • 5:30 – down time and dinner (box dinners provided)

    • 6:30 – get ready to perform

    • 6:45 – pre-game performance

    • 7:00 – Game kicks-off.  We'll perform in the stands during the game and at halftime.

    • Uniform is the quarter zip and jeans, just like the first time.  Bring coats/hats/gloves to wear in the stands as it will get chilly by the end of the game.

REMINDERS (all of this has previously been published in the Band Update):

  • 2020-2021 BVN Band Shutterfly – CLICK HERE to join the 20-21 Shutterfly page and share/view great pictures of the Band!

  • MAB Members – order your pictures!  CLICK HERE to order the formal pictures we had taken at the DAC on 10/16.  Every Member of MAB had an individual picture taken, which will be edited together into a group photo.

  • ​Honor Bands:  The first deadline to register for KMEA District Concert/Jazz Auditions has passed. You can still register, but must pay more to audition at this point. If you are still interested, email Mr. Freeman or Mr. Wagoner and complete THIS FORM

  • Hybrid Class Structure:

    • 1st and 2nd hours are divided into Wagoner Bands (Salty and Pumpkin) and Freeman Bands (Spicy and Caramel).  CLICK HERE for the rosters.  At-home students make sure to zoom into the right band!

    • 3rd hour and 6th hour v-band students – all go to Freeman's Zoom (when not in person)

    • 6th hour Jazz Band and 4th hour Virtual Jazz (a couple of you) – all go to Wagoner's Zoom-Zoom (when not in person)

  • Safe Rehearsing During Covid: ​Covid has made our rehearsals look a lot different.  CLICK HERE to read about Safe Rehearsing in the Covid-Era.

  • BAND DUES and BAND FORMS are now past due:  Band Dues are $200 for all band members. 

    • Submission instructions are in the complete forms packet.  

    • The Student info/dues form can be completed in hard copy or by clicking here.

    • The Health, Media, Transportation, and Substance Abuse forms must be completed in hard copy.

    • The Parent info form can be completed in hard copy, but we HIGHLY recommend you complete it electronically.  Open the forms packet for instructions.

​This Week in the BVN Band:

CLICK HERE for the October-Hybrid Calendar and Bell Schedule.

CLICK HERE for the November Hybrid Calendar

Monday, October 26th:

  • Even Block Schedule, “B” Day. (A-L remote learning, M-Z In-Person)

  • Happy Birtday Dev Adabala, Junior Flute!

Tuesday, October 27th:

  • Odd Block Schedule, “A” Day. (A-L in Person, M-Z Remote)​

  • Happy Birthday Will Hatton, Senior Percussion, and Marie Urness, Senior Flute/Oboe!

Wednesday, October 28th:

  • Even Block Schedule, “A” Day. (A-L in person, M-Z Remote learning)​​

  • ECKMEA Auditions cuts and scales posted in the morning.  Begin recording videos!

  • Happy Birthday Klein McGraw, Freshman Trumpet!!

Thursday, October 29th:

  • Even Block Schedule, “B” Day. (A-L in person, M-Z Remote learning)​​. (note the change in rotation to accommodate some shortchanging of even b days)

Friday, October 30th:

  • No School!

  • Happy Birthday Will Snider, Sophomore Bass Clarinet!

  • BVN Audition Recordings DUE as part of the WoodShed Level 6.

  • MAB Performance at the BVN Football Game.

    • 4:00 – Unload trailer at DAC.  (loading trailer at BVN earlier in the day, TBD).​

    • 4:30 – REHEARSAL

    • 5:30 – down time and dinner (box dinners provided)

    • 6:30 – get ready to perform

    • 6:45 – pre-game performance

    • 7:00 – Game kicks-off.  We'll perform in the stands during the game and at halftime.

    • Uniform is the quarter zip and jeans, just like the first time.  Bring coats/hats/gloves to wear in the stands as it will get chilly by the end of the game.

You can continue reading on the band update webpage for information previously shared in our Summer Band Update Newsletter.  Thank you, as always for your careful reading!

Thanks,

Mr. Freeman

This email has been sent via Charms Office Assistant on behalf of:

Blue Valley North HS Band
12200 Lamar
Overland Park, KS 66209

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