Band Families,

It is hard to believe that it is finally May and that the end of the school year is quickly approaching. It has been a whirlwind, but also a time of great improvement and fun. This director’s update includes quite a few point about the summer and next year, along with information on our end of the year performances.

Summer Band:

It is highly recommended that all students participate in the summer Marching Band program, even if you cannot be here all the time. It is better to participate part of the time rather than not participate at all. If you misplaced the form from April, here is the link to the Summer Band information and schedule: File on Google Drive (1i9s…HIb) . Make sure to hang up the schedule and mark the performance dates on your calendar. I cannot wait for that first step off!

Jazz Band:

Anyone interested in Jazz Band for next year, please contact Dr. Wanken. Because of AP testing and a wild April, I am pushing back the audition deadline to May 29. I am also only making the audition requirements mandatory for rhythm section instruments. Woodwind and brass players need to reach out to let me know they are interested in playing next year if they have not already done so. The audition requirements can be found in Schoology Groups. Search for 2023-2024 LNHS Jazz Band Auditions . The access code is KQPR-ZWQ3-GC3N2.

Banquet:

The Band Banquet is quickly approaching on Friday, May 19. There are two parts, the banquet dinner and the awards ceremony. The dinner will begin at 5:30 in the commons. You do need to place a dinner reservation , which is due by this Friday, May 5 . The awards ceremony will begin at 7pm in the auditorium and does not require a reservation. This is where we will recognize the students’ hard work and celebrate a wonderful year.Letting recognition and Senior Scholarships are given out at this time. Please see the band website for lettering information, which is also due this Saturday, May 6 .

Spring Jazz Concert:

Our spring Jazz Concert will be held at 7pm in the auditorium on Thursday, May 18. The students are sounding great and you are not going to want to miss it! Student dress is black with red accent.

Spring Concert Band Concert:

Our final concert of the year will be held in the Lakeville North Auditorium on Thursday, May 25. The concert will begin at 7pm. Concert Band (9th) will need to be in the auditorium ready to play at 6:00. Symphonic Band will need to be in the band room ready to play at 6:30.

*Please review the concert dress guidelines  here

4th grade tour:

The beginning band directors and the fourth grade elementary teachers have again asked members of our band to stop by and play for the elementary students Friday, May 26 (the day after the band concert). We will be playing pep band tunes outside the buildings. We would need students to drive themselves or carpool between sites. We would leave after 1st period and be gone through the rest of the day. This is an optional, but extremely fun experience and a way to inspire the next generation of LNHS bandies. I will be sending out more information later in the month once I have a clearer schedule of the day.

Graduation:

Jazz Band will again be performing before the graduation ceremony. Once they are done performing, additional band members will take their seats to play Pomp and Circumstance. We will stay for the ceremony to support and cheer on our graduating bandies. Those students that are performing (including all of jazz band) will take a bus to Mariucci on the UofM campus for the ceremony and be bused back to North at the end of the ceremony. Students should wear nice clothes and have something to eat before we leave. There will be a sign up for additional players after the spring concert.

Jazz Band seniors will ride the bus up with us in their gowns. The band will take their instruments back to North and they can pick them up on Friday morning OR make additional arrangements with Dr. Wanken to pick up the student’s instrument at the ceremony or a later date.

Uniform Sale:

Help support the purchase of our next band uniforms by purchasing a piece of Lakeville history! Click the link and you will be taken to a Google form to select from an assortment of LNHS Marching Band pieces for purchase. Hats, plumes, overlays and more! Sale ends 5/12/2023! More instructions on the form. If you filled out the uniform form back in December, this is a different one. Please fill out the new form. Thank you!

Thank you for all your support throughout the year. I appreciate everyone helping to keep music alive and strong in Lakeville and at North.

Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Kind,

Dr. Wanken