Notes from the Podium- November 16th

Marching band season is officially over. Thank you for all of your hard work- students, staff, and parents. It's always a great time for me! I know that many memories were made and lots of great musical moments happened! We all have a lot to celebrate.

We have just finished our first round of chair auditions! I was very happy with everyone that played an audition. We will be starting our first round of challenges this week. In addition to listening to challenges, we will be listening to playing tests from all members who do not have a "section" to compete against. Anyone scoring below 50% on their playing exam/chair test is required to have a private lesson with a member of the band staff. It is important that all of us are responsible for raising the quality of the Cardinal band!

I am once again writing a huge thank you to volunteer staff that worked for the financial good of the band. We are currently involved in working with Aramark catering as support staff for some of their bigger functions. In the past, we have been able to use a lot of these events to help individuals pay for trips with the band. This year, we are counting on volunteers to help us with money for equipment. I really appreciate all of your hard work! I am constantly in awe and humbled by the amount of work that comes from our boosters and our students.

It was encouraging also to see many of you at the recent MWSU Jazz Band concert on Sunday. We are coming up on Solo/Ensemble and Jazz Season. It is important to immerse yourself in as much quality music-making as you can take. All of us having a developing vision of what we want to play like will continue to make us re-shape and reach bigger, better goals. Those of you that want to be able to play at a high, professional level should know that there are avenues available to you to get there. You have to provide the work, but there are high-quality private lesson instructors waiting to help you with your improvement. I have and will always strive to make private lessons available to anyone willing to commit the practice time to them. Those wanting to take the next step with their playing need consider private lessons an essential part of moving forward. If you are interested, please take the time to talk with Mr. Siasoco or Ms. Nelson about setting up private lessons- especially those of you wanting to perform solo at District Solo and Ensemble contest.

MIKE SEWELL, 2ND CHAIR ALL-DISTRICT TENOR SAX

Congratulations go out to Mike Sewell for his All-District audition and placing! Mike is the first Benton Cardinal band member to be in the All-District band in the last ten years.

Way to go! We're all very proud of you.

Study Recording for HS Band

Here is something for you to listen to in our time away from one another this weekend....