Hello BVN Band!

Please CLICK HERE for this week's Band Update Newsletter.  It is packed with information, including some quick replies/attention needed.  You have my thanks for your careful reading!

Contents of the Band Update:

  1. From the Directors
  2. Immediate Attention/Replies Needed:  Seniors – Drumline – Color Guard – Everyone!
  3. An exciting end of the school year:  Week-By-Week “At a Glance” info
  4. The Next Two Weeks Ahead.
  5. Save the Dates for Summer Band Camp
  6. Making Music in the Summer
  7. Reminders

As always, you can scroll down for a copy.  However, I highly recommend you follow the link to the Update Webpage, where it will be easier to read and formatting/links should work.

I hope everyone is enjoying this AMAZING Sunday Weather!!

Musically yours,
Mr. Freeman

 

–Begin Copy of Band Update–

BVN Band Update 

4/11/2021

From the Directors

I get to start this update with my favorite thing to write:  A HUGE THANK YOU to our WONDERFUL BAND STUDENTS!  It has been a pleasure rehearsing consistently with all band classes, and we are seeing good progress. 

 

Students:  as we are now in a closer-to-normal “grind” of classes/tests/rehearsals/everything – remember that every small accomplishment leads to big achievements -so keep grinding and doing the little things well.  You ALWAYS have friends in the band room who will help you, starting with Mr. Wagoner and I!

This Band Update has a TON of info, including quick attention and replies needed.  Thanks to everyone for your careful reading,  as we prepare for a busy and fun end of the school year.

Contents of the Band Update:

  1. Immediate Attention/Replies Needed:  Seniors – Drumline – Color Guard – Everyone!

  2. An exciting end of the school year:  Week-By-Week “At a Glance” info

  3. The Next Two Weeks Ahead.

  4. Save the Dates for Summer Band Camp

  5. Making Music in the Summer

  6. Reminders

CLICK HERE for a 1-page Band Calendar for this Spring Semester… mark your calendars and hang it on the fridge!  It has been updated for all events.

Last but certainly not least – HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. WAGONER!!!  His Birthday was this past Saturday.  (he'll give me some dirty looks for putting this in the band update… ahh the power of the “pen”!)

Musically yours,

Mr. Freeman

Immediate Attention Needed  

To be ready for an exciting end of the year, please take care of the following ASAP!

SENIORS: 

Please Complete THIS BIO FORM, which will be used in our COTL Program.

PERCUSSIONISTS: 

CLICK HERE for all details for the Dance Team Spring Show Performance AND Information for Auditions for our 21-22 Drumline.

CLICK HERE to Sign up to Perform for the Dance Team Spring Show!

COLOR GUARD:

CLICK HERE for all info/details about our upcoming audition clinics!

EVERYONE:  

RIGHT NOW – THIS WEEK – Help us Recruit Color Guard!  CLICK HERE for social media posters and spread them far and wide!!!

From Now to June – a Busy and FUN time for the BVN Bands!

Week-By-Week “at-a-glance”.  Please make sure calendars are marked!  Click Links and read “the week ahead” section of the Band Update for full details!

Week of April 12th – April 16:

  • Wind Ensemble Records for State Large Group

  • Mustang Band Boosters Parent Meeting

  • Beginning Band “Drive Through Event” – volunteers!

  • Drum Major Auditions during classes

  • Color Guard 21-22, Zoom Info Meeting.

Week of April 19-23:

Week of April 26-30:

  • Drumline Rehearsal and Performance at Dance Team Spring Show.

  • 1st Audition clinic for the 21-22 BVN Drumline.

Week of May 3-7:

Week of May 10-14:

  • BVN Bands Annual Concert on the Lawn and Recognition Ceremony.  7 PM on Tuesday, May 11th at the DAC! (The “District Activities Complex – 135th and Switzer).

  • Final Drumline Audition Clinic

Week of May 17 – 23rd:

  • Senior Finals Week

  • May 17-18-19:  Inclement weather reschedule dates for Concert on the Lawn.

  • Sunday, May 23rd:  BVN Band Performs at the BVN Graduation Ceremonies!  ALL 9th-11th grade members. ofthe band!

Week of May 24 – 28

  • Finals Weds-Friday, and last day of school!

  • Monday – Tuesday, May 24 and 25:  Kickoff Event for the 21-22 BVN Bands!

    • Monday 5/24: 6 – 8 PM:  Rookie Members of the Band, as well as Drumline, Color Guard, and Leadership.

    • Tuesday, 5/25: 6-8:30 PM:  All Band Members

The Next Two Weeks Ahead – Details

CLICK HERE for the April Block Schedule Calendar

CLICK HERE for the May Block Schedule Calendar

4/12 – 4/16

Monday 4/12:

  • Odd Block Classes

  • Wind Ensemble Recording Session during 1st Hour

    • REMINDER to Wind Ensemble to wear your 1/4 zips and Black Pants!

  • Instrument Demonstration Drive Thru Event!

    • 5th Grade Families have been invited to drive through the BVN Bus Loop to see instrument demonstrations from their cars, as they prepare for 6th grade beginning band.

    • BVN Students can volunteer!  You'll perform by sections from the sidewalks as cars drive through.  FUN music – answer questions – motivate the families to do band!

    • 5:45 – Meet as sections and decide what to play.

    • 6 – 6:30: Drive Throughs occur

    • by 6:45 – DONE!

    • Wear this year's blue band shirt.

    • Volunteer Hours/Lettering Points!

    • CLICK HERE to sign up.

  • Mustang Band Boosters Parent Board Zoom Meeting, 7:30 PM.

  • Happy Birthday Mr. Wagoner! (on Saturday the 10th)

  • Happy Birthday Elizabeth Crocker, Junior/Senior Horn!

Tuesday 4/13

  • Even Block Classes

  • Drum Major Candidates audition for 2nd hour Band Class.

Wednesday 4/14

Thursday 4/15

  • Even Block Classes

Friday 4/16

  • Odd Block Classes

  • VirtualEd Band:  Mini-Projects, Round 2, Due.

  • Happy Birthday Isabella Holtorf, Freshman Percussion – on Saturday 4/17!

4/19 – 4/23

Monday 4/19

Tuesday 4/20

  • Odd Block Classes

  • Color Guard:  Audition Clinic #2

    • 6 – 8 PM in the BVN Main Gym

Wednesday 4/21

Thursday 4/22

  • Odd Block Classes

  • Color Guard:  Audition Clinic #4 (Final clinic)

    • 6 – 8 PM in the BVN Main Gym

Friday 4/23

  • No School – Teacher Professional Day.

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 – Full Band Camp:

  • 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!

Making Music in the Summer!

Summer Music Camps (non-BVN)

Summer Music Camps are AMAZING and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  They are a wonderful way to improve your musical skills, make new friends and connections with students from across the region, state, and country, and are all around a great time!  Never required, but highly recommended.

This summer, as you probably expected, some camps will be re-starting after a year off, others might not be happening for pandemic reasons, and some will be happening virtually. 

CLICK HERE to go to our webpage which has a listing of the camps that USUALLY happen, year to year, and are highly recommended.  We have not checked on the status of these camps for this summer, but you can begin research at your liesure!

This is a list of Camps that we know ARE happening this summer.  We will add to it as we learn more.

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.