Hello BVN Band!

Please CLICK HERE for this week's Band update, or scroll down for a copy.  Reminder that going to the actual website will always read/work a little better than the copy.

https://bvnbands.wixsite.com/bv-north-bands/bvn-band-update

Last week in band was AMAZING!  A couple of chances to make music together makes a HUGE difference.  Definitely looking forward to more of this through the semester.

This week features our first after school Symphonic Band Rehearsal (hooray!), Wind Ensemble back at it after school (hooray!), and another Drumline performance!!  Percussionists – make sure to read the details carefully and sign up for the performance.

Contents of this week's Band Update:

  • From the Directors
  • The Next Two Week's Ahead
  • Drumline Performance Friday 2/12/2021.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
  • After School Rehearsals
  • The Semester Ahead – calendar info and other details.  Also Save the dates for Summer Band Camp 2021!
  • Reminders

Thanks, as always, for your careful reading,

Musically yours,
Mr. Freeman

–Begin Copy of the Band Update–

BVN Band Update 

2/7/2021

From the Directors

What a Wonderful Week!!  This past week gave a small taste of many amazing things to come for the BVN Band!  On Wednesday, the Wind Ensemble met as a full ensemble for the first time.  On Thursday, the Drumline rehearsed and gave a FANTASTIC performance for the Girls Bball Senior Night, and Oliver Zhang rocked the national anthem as well.  In ALL Band classes throughout the week, we saw progress at both the individual and group level.  The return of our band music is coming, and it's going to be AWESOME!

Important side note – the audience at the girls bball senior night was SOOO appreciative of our drumline.  Appreciative Applause after every cadence or cheer we performed.  We were invited to be on the court for part of the ceremony, and stayed out for a quick solo performance.  Principals and staff at the event ALL glowed with happiness – “it feels like a real event again!”  “having the band/drumline back makes ALL the difference!!”, etc, etc.  We have been missed just about as much as we have missed performing. 

 

MUSIC Matters.

BAND STUDENTS – YOU MATTER.

The combination of our students and their music… beyond description powerful. 

This week has put all of that into very clear perspective….and the best part is there is much more to come this semester! 

 

Students – I've said it many times, but I won't stop – THANK YOU for sticking through this totally strange year.  The future is bright for your time in band, and our band's future is bright because of your perseverance.  THANK YOU!

For Everyone:  this Band Update is very similar to last weeks. 

  • If you did not read last weeks, please read this carefully!

  • If you carefully read last week's, then please read the NEW info about a drumline performance coming up this Friday, and make sure you remember what's coming up!

Contents of the Band Update:

  • The Next Two Weeks Ahead (Symphonic Band – reminder that your after school rehearsals start this monday)

  • DRUMLINE Performance Friday 2/12/2021 for Boys Senior Night Bball.  REPLIES NEEDED ASAP!

  • After School Rehearsals

  • The Semester Ahead – Calendar info (and save the dates for Summer Band Camp 2021!)

  • Reminders

Thanks, as always, for your careful reading, and support of all things Band!!

Musically yours,

Mr. Freeman

The Next Two Weeks Ahead

CLICK HERE For the FEBRUARY HYBRID Calendar and Bell Schedule

2/8-2/12/2021

Monday 2/8/2021:

  • “B” day, Odd Block Classes.  A-L remote.  M-Z in-person.

  • Symphonic Band After School Rehearsal, 3:30 – 4:30 on the PAC Stage.

Tuesday 2/9/2021:

  • “B” day, Even Block Classes.  A-L remote.  M-Z in-person.

Wednesday 2/10/2021:

  • “A” day, Odd Block Classes.  A-L in-person.  M-Z remote.

  • Wind Ensemble After School Rehearsal, 3:30 – 5:00 on the PAC Stage.

    • Enter through the band room's exterior door for temp checks/check in. 

    • Rehearse on Stage, 3:30 – 4:10.  4:10 – 4:25 Break.  Rehearse 4:25-5:00.

  • Happy Birthday Abdullah Asif, Freshman Trombone!

  • Happy Birthday Ben Nix, Freshman Alto Sax!

Thursday 2/11/2021:

  • “A” day, Even Block Classes.  A-L in-person.  M-Z remote.

Friday 2/12/2021:

  • “B” day, Odd Block Classes.  A-L remote.  M-Z in-person.

  • DRUMLINE Performance for Boys Bball Senior Night!

2/15-2/19/2021

Monday 2/15/2021:

  • No School, President's Day.

  • Happy Birthday Muhammed Daud, Sophomore Clarinet!

Tuesday 2/16/2021:

  • “B” day, Even Block Classes.  A-L remote.  M-Z in-person.

Wednesday 2/17/2021:

  • “A” day, Odd Block Classes.  A-L in-person.  M-Z remote.

  • Wind Ensemble After School Rehearsal, 3:30 – 4:30 on the PAC Stage.

    • Enter through the band room's exterior door for temp checks/check in. 

    • Rehearse on Stage, 3:30 – 4:10.  4:10 – 4:25 Break.  Rehearse 4:25-5:00.

  • Happy Birthday Louis Cierpiot, Freshman Percussionist!

Thursday 2/18/2021:

  • “A” day, Even Block Classes.  A-L in-person.  M-Z remote.

Friday 2/19/2021:

  • “B” day, Odd Block Classes.  A-L remote.  M-Z in-person.

  • Happy Birthday Audrey Beckman, Junior Clarinet (on Saturday 2/20)

DRUMLINE FOR SENIOR NIGHT BBALL!

Percussionist – We Need You!  We have been asked to provide a Drumline for the Boys Senior Night Basketball Game, and it's this Friday, February 12th.  We will do a short pre-game rehearsal, then perform for the senior night ceremonies/until the game tips-off, and then depart after the game starts.  (we will not perform for the full game). 

 

This will be a drumline only performance (no front ensemble), but all percussionists are welcome – we'll find an instrument for you to play!!  We need our upperclassmen leaders to anchor the drumline. 

Details:

Friday, February 12th, 2021

  • 5:45:  Band room open, check in through the band room exterior door.

  • 6:00 – 6:45:  Rehearsal

  • 6:45 – Break

  • 6:55 – Reassemble for performance.

  • 7:00 – estimated move to gym for performance.

  • 7:30:  Scheduled time for the Boys Game to tip off, our performance finished.

  • UNIFORM:  THIS YEAR's BVN Band Shirt (blue) and jeans.

QUICK REPLIES NEEDED:  PERCUSSIONISTS – CAN YOU PERFORM?!?  CLICK HERE to sign up!

After School Rehearsals

For Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band  

The Number 1 (by far) bit of student feedback we have received in this, the year of the pandemic is:  “we want to play TOGETHER!”  We couldn't. agree. more!  While Hybrid is a step in that direction, it still leaves us wanting that chance to play as complete ensembles.  

Now that we have lived a semester in pandemic-band-reality, we have learned that our mitigation strategies work.  Since we can have band rehearsals safely (following those strategies), it's time to get the bands back together!

To that end, we are holding once-a-week after school rehearsals for Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble. 

  • Symphonic Band will rehearse on Mondays from 3:30 – 4:30 – First rehearsal is Monday, 2/8!

  • Wind Ensemble on Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30.

We plan to hold these rehearsals weekly for the duration of the semester.  The purpose of these rehearsals is not to clog up schedules, cause stress, etc – but simply to help get us back to what we love to do, and what we do best – Make Music Together!  As always, good communication is key to success – so please let us know of scheduling conflicts, and we'll work with each student to make it work!

The Semester Ahead, Mark your Calendars! 

CLICK HERE FOR A 1 Page “Fridge Calendar” to print and hang up as needed.

CLICK HERE for the BVN Band Google Calendar

February: 

  • Begin After School rehearsals for Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.  (YAY! – making music WITH EACH OTHER!!). 

    • Once a week, after school, throughout the semester.​

    • Symphonic Band, Mondays from 3:30 – 4:30, starting February 8th.

    • Wind Ensemble, Wednesdays from 3:30 – 4:30, starting February 3rd.

  • DRUMLINE Performances for Basketball Senior Night(s)​​

March:

  • Concerts!  HOORAY!  March 3rd and 4th will be BVN Band Concerts! 7 PM start, both nights.

    • Full Details and Schedule Forthcoming, soon. 

    • We plan to have different groups on the two different evenings.

    • Concerts will be livestreamed, AND we are planning to have a live, in-person audience!  Hooray!  Current rules allow us to have two audience members per performer attend in-person.  Fingers crossed that nothing changes – we can't wait to perform for a live audience again!

April:

  • Virtual Solo and Ensemble Festivals (which really start up toward the end of March).  Info coming soon.

  • Possible recording sessions.  More info TBA.

May:

  • The Return of the BVN Band Concert on the Lawn!  (COTL)

    • Mark your Calendars!!  Wednesday, May 12th!  Exact Performance Schedule TBD.

    • If we have Inclement weather, we will not follow our traditional procedure to move the concert inside, but instead we would reschedule to the following week. 

    • Possible Reschedule dates are Monday 5/17, Tuesday 5/18, Wednesday 5/19 or Thursday 5/20.  (we are listing several potential dates to give us some flexibility as spring event reschedules can be tricky).

  • Potential Performance at Graduation Ceremonies – Sunday, May 23rd, at the DAC.  (FYI – the district has decided to not use Municipal Auditorium this year. (This performance is tentative).

​​

Save the Dates! Summer Band Camp!

Covid realities will determine the exact details of our summer band camp.  However, we are optimistic and planning for a return of the BVN Summer Band Camp and the Marching Mustangs….. SOOOOOO EXCITED!!!!  Please Save the Dates!

Week of July 26 – July 30th – “Pre-camp” week.

  • Color Guard and Drumline Camps

  • Leadership Camp

  • Rookie Camp (all 1st year members of the Band.  This will include 10th graders, since marching band didn't exist this last year.)

  • Schedule/details TBA.

Week of 8/1 – 8/7:

  • Sunday, August 7th – Band Camp Kickoff Picnic (afternoon or evening)

  • Monday – Friday 8/1-8/6:  Full Band Camp.

  • Saturday, August 7th (morning):  Final rehearsal, Parent Meeting, Sneak Peek Performance, and Ice Cream!

REMINDERS:

(All of this has been previously distributed, but is still good to re-read and remember!)​

Band Recordings!

Go to the Student Resources Page of the Band Website to find recordings of the band!  Ask a band student for the password.

Check out the BVN Fall E-Activity Guide!  This is usually distributed at all activities each fall, this year it has been distributed electronically, and includes several wonderful pages for the MAB, along with some good pictures!!

PARENTS – Please consider joining our BVN Parent Booster Club!  The PBC has already given GREAT support to the Band this year, and will continue to do so in the future.  YOUR membership makes this possible.  THANK YOU!!

 

Safe Music Making 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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BVN BAND ALL-STATE MUSICIANS!!!!  Earning All-State Status is the highest honor given to individual student musicians in the state of Kansas.  Equivalent to All-State In any sport.  The release of their virtual All-State concert is coming at the end of February.

  • John Muldoon, Clarinet, All-State Band

  • Megan VanderLeest, Clarinet Alternate

  • Miles Kim, Bass Clarinet Alternate

  • Madhu Parthasarathy, Bassoon, All-State Orchestra

  • Harry Wang, Alto Sax, All-State Band

  • Lauren Jenkins, Alto Sax Alternate

  • Oliver Zhang, Trumpet, All-State Band*

  • Eddie Mu, Euphonium, All-State Alternate

  • Logan Amato, Tuba, All-State Band

  • Joseph Madigan, Tuba, All-State Orchestra – THREE YEAR MEMBER!**

*Oliver Zhang is also a member of the 2020-2021 All-National Band!! (Made up of all-staters from all 50 states!).  He is the third BVN Band Member, all-time, to earn this incredible honor.  Congratulations Oliver!

**Joseph Madigan has earned all-state honors all three years that he was eligible.  This is INCREDIBLE – WAY TO GO JOSEPH!!

Congrats also to ALL of our band students who auditioned for all-state.  It is a TOUGH Audition process, made no easier by the pandemic reality.  We are so very proud of each one of you!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ALL DISTRICT BAND MEMBERS:

Flute: 

  • Hannah Chong (Red) 

  • Emily Nelson (Blue)

  • Grace Burgett (Blue)

Bassoon:

  • Madhu Parthasarathy (Red, 3 year member!)

Clarinet

  • John Muldoon (Gold)

  • Megan VanderLeest (Gold, 3 year member!)

  • Audrey Beckman (Blue)

  • Keaton Alexander (Red)

  • Quinn Koffman (Red)

Bass Clarinet:

  • Miles Kim (Red.  Also worth noting – Miles also auditioned on Clarinet and also earned clarinet position, but earned a higher chair on Bass Clarinet.  Go Miles!!)

Alto Saxophone:

  • Harry Wang (Gold)

  • Lauren Jenkins (Red)

  • Junie Ko (Red)

Trumpet:

  • Oliver Zhang (Gold)

  • Luke Bechard (Gold)

  • Ethan Burnett (Blue)

  • Devereaux Knight (Red)

  • Christine O'Brien (Blue)

  • Richard Koulen (Jazz)

French Horn:

  • Jack Graham (Red)

Trombone:

  • Jacob Lippe (Blue)

  • Nolan Call (Blue)

Euphonium:

  • David Stutz (Red)

  • Eddie Mu (Red)

Tuba:

  • Joseph Madigan (Gold, 3 year member)

  • Logan Amato (Gold)

Percussion:

  • Sam Waggoner, Snare (Gold)

  • Michael Chong, Snare (Gold)

  • Hyesoo Song, Mallets (Blue)

  • Grant Ellis, Mallets (Blue)

Also worth mentioning – Congrats to our dual threat students! Color Guard Member Madison Dean earned placement in the ECKMEA District Honor Choir, and Percussionist Gabriel Decker also plays a mean String Bass and earned placement in the District Honor Orchestras.

30 BVN Band Students, 17 BVN Orchestra Students, and 15 BVN Choir Students is an INCREDIBLE showing for BVN, perhaps unprecedented!  Congratulations to ALL students who auditioned for these groups.  It is a very competitive audition.  Well Done!!!

 

Concert Uniforms

We are switching to an “All-Black” concert look – no more tuxes!  This is a more modern look that many performing groups have changed to over the past 15 years.  Performers feel more comfortable and still look sharp.  The new concert uniform will be provided by each student.  Here are the details:

 

CONCERT ATTIRE WILL BE CONCERT BLACK.  Not Tuxes! 

This means:  Head to Toe Black at a Semi-Formal/Formal Level with an emphasis on modesty.

TOP:  Black Dress Shirt or Blouse:

  • Girls:  At least ¾ length sleeves.  Shirts/Blouses do not need to be collared as long as they are dress shirts.  Nothing low cut, please.

  • Boys:  Plain Black button-down long-sleeve dress shirt with a collar. Shirt is to remain tucked-in at all times.

BOTTOMS:  Black Skirt or Dress Pants

  • Girls:  Black Skirt or Dress Pants.  Skirt must be floor length when seated.  No Jeans or Leggings. (leggings are not suitable dress pants)

  • Boys:  Black Slacks

SHOES/SOCKS:

  • Girls:  Black dress shoes or all-black tennis shoes.  Closed Toed Flats Preferred.  Black Hose/socks as necessary.

  • Boys:  Black dress shoes or all-black tennis shoes.  Plain black socks that extend mid-way up the calf.

Jazz Ensemble Members

  • Should have the all-black uniform described above.

  • Will also get a Black Jazz Polo, paid for by your band dues. 

Keep your CHARMS up to date!

The CHARMS system is an online management program designed specifically for school music groups.  Our primary use for it is COMMUNICATION – so it is VITAL that every band member keep an up-to-date phone number and email address for the student AND at least one parent in the Charms system!  To update your info in Charms:

  • Go to www.charmsoffice.com

  • Login link is in the upper right corner – use “parent/student/chaperone” login.

  • School Code is “bluevalleyNHSband” – capitalization does not matter.

  • Your password is either you student ID # (lunch code) OR a password that you have created.  You can always email Mr. Wagoner or Mr. Freeman to re-set your password to your student ID #.  If you do this, please include your student ID # in the email so we can confirm it is correct in our system.

  • Once in the system, please make sure you Student and Parent contact info is fully updated and correct!  Also – put in your birthday. 

 

PARENTS – We Need You!!

the Mustang Band Boosters!

 

Parent involvement and support is absolutely critical to the success of our Band Program.  You have our heartfelt thanks in advance for all of the unrecognized help you give – car rides, reminders and encouragement to practice, providing private lessons, providing an instrument, making sure your student has all their uniform parts/doesn’t forget their instrument, and on and on and on… THANK YOU!

 

Beyond such hugely important mom and dad tasks, Parent volunteers make the band experience possible for our students.  There will be MANY ways to get involved and support our wonderful band program throughout the year.  Pick and choose your favorites and come out and help! 

 

Our Band parent organization – the Mustang Band Boosters is filled with parents who (just like our students) are WONDERFUL and TALENTED and make every band event enjoyable.  ​

 

Our Band Parent Club President, Mrs. Lori VanderLeest is just an email away! <[email protected]>.  Email her anytime for more info and to let her know how you want to help.  EVERY BAND PARENT is considered a member of our Band Parent Club.  There are no dues, EVERYONE is welcome, the MORE the MERRIER!  A HUGE thanks, in advance, for your wonderful donations of time and talent.  Below is a letter from Ms. VanderLeest inviting YOU to help! 

 

Click here for our Mustang Band Boosters Webpage (on the band website.)

Mustang Band Boosters – Exec Board

President – Lori VanderLeest

Vice President – Kim Jacobson

Secretary – Jane Burgett

Co-Treasurers – Heather Ellis/Rob VanderLeest

At Large Member – Stacy Davis

At Large Member – VACANT

 

Expanding your Musical Horizons

The Band Letter

Throughout the school year, students who want to go above and beyond earning the band grade will have ample opportunities to do so.  Lettering in Band recognizes students for going above and beyond.  Lettering points can be earned in a variety of ways – through volunteer pep bands, voluntary support of the band, extra musical opportunities such as honor bands and private lessons, and much more.  CLICK HERE to learn about the Band Letter. 

 

Private Lessons and Honor Bands

Private Lessons and Participation in Honor Bands are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and are the BEST ways for a student to enhance their musical skills and enjoyment of music.  Throughout the year, there will be many such opportunities, and we will advertise all of these through the Band Update and in Band Classes. 

 

Such experiences are not a required portion of band classes, but come with great benefits to those who try them out.  These experiences enhance musical skills and give the students wonderful life experiences and the chance to meet and make music with amazing professionals as well as other remarkable young musicians just like themselves!

​​

PRIVATE LESSONS:

There is simply no better way to improve your individual musicianship and skills on your instrument than through private lessons.  Students wishing to perform in our top Wind Ensemble, become all-state musicians, and compete for college scholarships in music should definitely be pursuing private lessons.  And, Lessons are wonderful for ALL students.  We are fortunate to be in an area with many wonderful private instructors nearby.  A strong connection between private teacher and student can enhance musicianship and life!  If you are interested, please contact Mr. Freeman or Mr. Wagoner for private instructor recommendations.

BVN Band Media

Audio and Video:

Throughout the school year, we will post audio and video recordings of our Band Performances on the Student Resources Page of our Band Website.  Get the password from an older member of the band, and download all the recordings you want!

 

Pictures, Pictures, Pictures!

Many pictures will be taken of the band throughout the school year!  We will have formal, in-uniform group and individual pictures taken during marching season, as well as several other more formal photos throughout the year.  We hold onto these group pictures for posterity, and encourage families to purchase them if they choose to do so.

 

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

 

Here is a link to the last two years of Band Shutterfly Pages: 

https://20192020bvnband.shutterfly.com/

https://20182019bvnbands.shutterfly.com/

 

BVN PBC (Parent Booster Club)

 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BVN PBC!!  Our BVN Parent Booster Club is AMAZING – this wonderful group supports everything at BVN, and has been very generous to our band for many, many years.

 

For this fall of 2020:  they have already given us a grant of $9500, combined support for the Band and Color Guard!

  • The best way to support is through a PBC Membership of any level.  Click Here to find membership info.  

  • EVERY Band Family should be a PBC Member at some level.  The level of support they give the band is totally reliant on two things:  1 – our level of membership in the PBC, and 2 – our support of the PBC through staffing concessions stands, providing pep bands for events, etc.   

  • Our PBC is the MOST supportive school-wide booster club that I (Mr. Freeman) have ever known!

 

Remembering the 2019-20 School Year:

​Even cut short, this past year was AMAZING!!!   The Marching Show was AWESOME.  Our December Band Concert was outstanding.  The March 5th-12th grade concert was sooooo good!  And of course the Kaufman performance was one to remember, and we should all be quite proud of.  Here is how you can remember the year!

  • All PERFORMANCE RECORDINGS can be found on our Student Resources Page (requires login).  You can also find links to recordings/pictures from our France trip.

  • PICTURES!!! There are SO MANY WONDERFUL Pictures to peruse!

    • CLICK HERE for the 2019-2020 Band Shutterfly Page

    • CLICK HERE for the 2018-2019 Band Shutterfly Page

    • I am missing the link for the 2017-2018 Band Shutterfly Page.  If someone has it, please share it with me!

    • CLICK HERE for the 2016-2017 Band Shutterfly Page

  • END OF YEAR AWARDS:  Our E-awards ceremony in early May was a wonderful event.  You can see the google slides presentation by CLICKING HERE.