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....

Playing in the Mud= Real Marching Band

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It's nights like tonight that make me love my job. Thank you all members of the Cardinal Marching Band community. This was a very special season.

Marching band students- you made my night. Senior marchers- thank you for your leadership. Without a doubt, this was the best marching band that Benton has seen in at least the last decade. Sorry past bands, but they hit the goal this year (just like you did before). We are a little better. Tonight's game was what I think band is all about. You put on a quality show at half-time. There were people that ran down in minutes to get a horn to use. There were people that marched on despite losing shoes to the mud. There were many costumes that were creative, and some that showed off some friendship and teamwork! There were millions of moments- musical and some more comical than musical- that will go down as memories made for me, and I hope a lot of you. That's what this is all about (to me). Using music to create memories that enrich lives. Thank you for producing so many of those for me. I will be eternally grateful.

Band parents- thank you for sharing your students and your time to this program. I hope you are as happy and proud of your students as I am. They memorized music and positions in the name of creating a quality show. Thank you for the support that you show this program. I know that students realize how lucky they are to have such a great booster group behind them. I know I am. You, the band boosters, have made a lot of things possible for this group that I was not sure could ever happen.

The end goal of what exists in the Benton Bandroom is creating a strong Benton Band Family. It's nights like tonight that make me feel like it is truly happening.

Light Show Pictures

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NOTES FROM THE PODIUM- OCTOBER 21ST

Marching band season is coming to a close.... There are just a few performances left until the marching band uniforms go back into the closet until May for the Apple Blossom Parade.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BENTON BAND ON 2 QUALITY PERFORMANCES AT CONTEST! The band performed our field show at 2 different marching band competitions. Although we did not place at either competition, the band received some very good compliments from the judges. More importantly, the band made some great music and memories on the field! I am very proud of the work that we put in.

Benton Band also performed in the MWSU Home-coming Parade on Saturday morning. The band played very well and managed to garner the second place trophy. It was great to take to the streets of our town and let the public hear what the Benton Band had been up to.

This Friday, the band will be playing the Star Spangled Banner for pre-game. After that, we will be retiring to the bandroom in preparation for our Light Show! Students must have a black top to go with their marching band pants. After that, lights galore are the uniform for the night. Please no strobes or major flashlights.

Our final marching band game will be October 30th. This is a Thursday night game versus Lafayette. In honor of our senior's last game, the band is required to stay in the stands for the whole game. Students take the 3rd quarter off, but are to be back in the bandstands for the 4th quarter. We will also have a post-game performance off our half-time show!

The marching band's final performance of the semester is the Veterans Day Parade. This parade takes place at City Hall with a similar route to the MWSU Home-coming Parade. The band reports to the bandroom after the early out and is shuttled to and back from the parade route.

PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT TO ATTEND OUR NEXT BAND BOOSTER MEETING ON NOVEMBER 12TH!!! We are looking for prizes to raffle off at our Winter Concert, so please be on the look-out!

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These are pictures taken by McBee Photography for the Fall program.

Band Spirit Day Photos

NOTES FOR THE PODIUM- OCTOBER 8

There is a big week coming up for the marching band next week. We will be performing in competition at two contests.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH- Benton will be performing in MWSU's Tournament of Champions. Our performance time is scheduled for 3:00 PM. We will be busing students from Benton to the warm-up field at 1:45. After our 3:00 PM performance, students will be dismissed from the photo site at about 3:30. There will be other bands performing that night including an exhibition from the outstanding MWSU Golden Griffon Marching Band prior to announcing the results.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17TH- The band will perform downtown as part of the morning MWSU Home-coming parade. After this, we will bus back to Benton for a short rehearsal prior to a quick lunch. In the afternoon, the band will be competing in the Missouri Day Marching Festival in Trenton. The band's performance time is scheduled for 4:15. Following its performance, the band will bus back to Benton. I am anticipating a 7:30 PM dismissal time.

TRAILS WEST!!!!

Thanks to everyone who worked this weekend selling food tickets for Trails West! You were great ambassadors for the band and the school with your hard work and reliability. I am extremely honored and humbled with the amount of care and work that our members, parents, friends, and teachers put in over long, long hours. I would especially like to thank Janet Snider and Terri Glenn for keeping us organized and working very, very hard in heading our effort. You two were amazing!

NOTES FROM THE PODIUM- AUGUST 19TH

First day accomplished!!!

I hope everyone's first day was as great as mine was. What an exciting time to be here!!!!

We, unfortunately, only met for ten minutes today- but it was a great ten!!! The atmosphere in our room was so awesome. I could not fathom the amount of potential that was seated before me. I'm pretty sure this is going to be the best sounding band ever to grace the bandroom (in the last seven years...or more).

If you haven't already, please try and volunteer for some hours at TrailsWest. We are in charge of selling tickets for the food booths at this weekend's festival. It is a big, BIG fundraiser for our band program. If you are able to work, please let me know! E-mail or text.

We will be doing uniform fitting at our first Tuesday Evening Rehearsal. In case you did not notice in your schedule, the BHS Marching Cardinals have Tuesday Evening Rehearsals in September and first week of October. Please make every effort to be there. We are out to make every minute count!

I love the first day of school. The beginning of a lot chances to make great moments, memories, and friendships to last a lifetime.

IMPORTANT!!!!

Benton Band students- freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, all-- don't forget that you will need a binder for carrying charts and music for outdoor rehearsal!!! Students without binders on the second week of school will run with section leaders....

Band Barbecue Awards 2009

Benton Band
Car Wash and Bar B-Q Notes

You must be at your car wash station ready to work at 2 – 5 PM.

Stations and Teams
Flutes and Clarinets- Tires Plus on the Belt Highway
Saxes and Trumpets- Sonic on Lake Avenue
Mellophones and Low Brass- Grand Slam across from Benton
Drumline- Autozone on Belt and Messanie across from Subway


Remember to let family and friends know that the car wash FREE! We are looking for a number of cars to wash- not donations (although we will take them if they want)


Barbecue

We will finish our camp with a barbecue at 6 PM in Hyde Park across from the high school. All parents and family are invited!!!

We are asking that all freshmen provide one 2-liter of soda and section leaders come with a bag of chips or other side item.

More Band Camp Photos!!!

BAND CAMP!!!

The first official week of rehearsal for the 2009-2010 Cardinal Bands has come to a close. There's still a pocket of 5 students that I have not seen or heard from, but from the attendees- I can tell you pretty confidently that this band is going to sound very good!!! I'm excited with how quickly and willing our freshmen class has been in picking up proper marching style and learning music.

8 AM....in July!!!

I hate to admit, but I haven't seen 8 AM in a while this summer. I'm all about being productive, but this summer- I have been trying my hardest to relax! I am positive that I am in the minority....

I'm excited for camp to begin! Please make it a point to be here!!! Our first performance will be August 28th- THAT'S THE FRIDAY OF OUR FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL! It makes our summer rehearsals so, so important.

We will be outside starting Thursday, July 30th. If you haven't started already- get your music memorized. If you have misplaced your music, make sure to check with the drum majors as soon as you arrive to not get in the way of our rehearsal time. We are always looking for everyone's best show!

Band, band, band, band.....

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR TO START!!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer- because it is quickly coming to an end. I cannot believe how quickly this time has gone! It's true what they say about time flying.... It seems like only yesterday I was trying to get comfortable on an awesome black bus on it's way to New York City.

The 2009-2010 school year approaches with the 2009 Summer Marching Band rehearsals leading the way! Please make sure to get the word to everyone. I know how easy it can be to overlook summer days on the calendar, but these rehearsals are very important to our success as a group. I hate when I am surprised by someone's absence. It's always sad to lose time with someone.

Remember that we will be going outside in very warm weather and hot sun. There will be water provided, but I know how nice it is to have a bottle that comes with you out on to the practice field.

Please also note that all students will need to have a binder with plastic sheet protectors to hold charts and music on the field.

I am looking forward to the beginnings of a great musical school year!

SUMMER SCHEDULE!!!

July
7th- 9th Section Leader/Drum Major Camp 10 AM--- Noon
16th- 19th Drumline Camp 9 AM - 3 PM
27th Section Leader/Freshmen Rehearsal 9 AM--- 11 AM
28th Woodwind Day 1pm --- 4pm
29th Brass Day 1pm--- 4 pm
30th First Full Band rehearsal 1 pm--- 4 pm
31st Full Band rehearsal 1pm--- 4pm

August
3rd – 12th MTWTh Band Camp 1 pm --- 4 pm
12th Carwash sheets are due today!!!
13th Band Carwash and Barbecue

Notes from the Podium- April 10th

There is always a brief sigh of relief after contest in April. Well, relief and pride. This is my sixth year on staff at Benton High School in front of the band. Every year, the students keep improving. Every year, the band keeps getting bigger. Every year, I am awed by the amount of commitment that is shared between students and parents that make this a wonderful place to be. I cannot express to you how lucky I feel on a regular basis. I know that I am truly blessed to be working with such great people!

The band achieved some very great things on April 2nd. I try to preach not caring about scores and trophy, but I have to tell you- positive feedback is always great to receive. Not only did the band receive great scores from the judges, but I also received many, many compliments from directors in the audience. They could not believe the progress that has happened at Benton! Many people now share the view that we are creating a great musical environment inside our room. It's nice for it to finally make it out to the general public.

I know that it only gets better from here! Please make plans to come to our May concerts. The students are making great music on a daily basis! It would be great to have a large supportive crowd to listen to them on May 7th for Jazz Band and May 14th for Concert Band.


Some Nuts and Bolts-
Please make sure to have your NY Trip paid off by the end of this month. I will be handing out balance sheets on April 15th during concert band.

Yes, band students have an extended school year. We are expected to play for the commencement ceremony on May 31st at 7 PM. It is an honor for us to be a special part of our seniors' big day! Please make plans to be there. We're counting on you!!! We will be playing a special 30 minute concert before the ceremony along with the normal "Pomp amd Circumstance".

State Large Group Results

Last week, the band performed at the Charles Johnson Theater for judges as part of the State Large Group Contest.

State Large Group provides ratings for all bands that perform that day. Judges grade the bands with a rating that ranges from Superior (I) to Poor (V). On their prepared literature on the stage, the band received ratings from 3 judges. These ratings were the highest that Benton has seen in 10 years! The judge for the stage performance gave the band two Superiors (I) and one Excellent (II). This gave the band an overall rating of Superior (I) on the stage!

As part of their overall rating, the band is also required to sightread a piece for a judge in a separate performance area. The piece this year proved to be difficult for most of the 4-A bands to play in our district. Benton was among the higher scoring bands with its Good (III) rating in the sight-reading room. This score is combined with the score on stage to provide the band's overall rating.

For the second straight year, the band earned an Excellent (II) rating overall! It was a well-earned score, but more importantly, it was a great music experience for everyone involved! The students should be congratulated for their artistic achievements!!!

Notes from the Podium- March 30th

We're in crunch-time for concert band! All the preparation will be coming to a head on Thursday of this week. Students should be getting signed out of their classes and getting a parent signature for our trip to Maryville. It's going to be a very exciting time. I love when we get the opportunity to show off the progress and talent of the Benton Band!

The students all received a schedule for the April 2nd State Large Group Day:

12:00 Bus Departs for Maryville
1:00 Unload, unpack into NWMSU Fine Arts Building
2:00 Benton goes into warm-up room.
2:25 Benton on-stage in performance
2:55 Sight-reading
4:00 Bus Departs for Benton
5:15 Unload, unpack, leave bandroom clean!!!


Along with the big week this week, we are also selling Red Wheel to help with student accounts and our trip to New York. If you haven't already, please make arrangements to have all of the money in for our trip soon! If you are having trouble, please do not hesitate to get a hold of the band office- there are ways still to help you!

This past Friday (March 27th), we had numerous students perform as part of the District Solo and Ensemble Festival at Central High School. Congratulations should be given to all who participated! It was an honor for me to see your work come to fruition in a small group or solo performance. Those performing solos or small ensembles were:

Megan Langdon, flute
Jacob White, clarinet
Ally Sexton, alto sax
Jordan Bullimore, trumpet
Sam Stephan, trumpet
Harry Christianson, trombone
Dalton Helm, trombone
AJ Wysling, tuba
Vince Post, tuba
Taylor Snider, snare drum
Saxophone Trio: Ally Sexton, Aaron Bundy, Jacob White
Trumpet Trio: Jordan Bullimore, Sam Stephan, AJ Wysling
Brass Quintet: Jordan Bullimore, Sam Stephan, Brandon Reynolds, Dalton Helm, AJ Wysling

At the festival, students receiving a Superior (I) rating were given the chance to perform as part of the State Solo and Ensemble Festival on April 30th in Columbia, MO on the Mizzou campus. Benton was able to qualify 3 soloists this year- Jordan Bullimore, trumpet; Taylor Snider, snare drum; and Jacob White, clarinet.

Benton Band Olympic Day

Yes, More Omaha Photos