The Challenge...

Part of the challenge was making it this far and you did. Part of the challenge was only five days of rehearsals to fix things and you did. Part of the challenge was staying focused despite the late school start and you did. Part of the battle was giving it your best and you did.

I am so proud of the efforts that you put forth throughout this entire process. To receive ratings of 'superior' at district and then take on the challenge of state contest was a great accomplishment within itself. You are to be commended for you scores of "Good" at state contest.... because it was STATE contest. I am especially proud of the rating of "Excellent" that we received in sightreading; a challenge that we all took on together. To take on a challenge with such enthusiasm and determination says a lot about you both as a group and as an individual. I am certain that every single person involved learned something from the process and that is what it is really all about. I know I learned several things and had an experience with a great group of young people that I will never forget. The desire to do better and the slight disappointment of not doing as well as you hoped, means that there are great things ahead of you and you are headed in the right direction. Good things are happening and you are a major part of it. I was very proud to stand on stage with you on Monday!

I know that this adventure will help our program at Zora Ellis to grow and be something that you are proud of. I also know that as you leave Zora Ellis and go to THS that this will help you and the band that you will be a part of there. Congratulation's on such a GREAT achievement! I am VERY proud of YOU!

STATE CONTEST update 3/1/09

I know that most of you are aware that school will be delayed tomorrow. Dr. Horton has said for us to go ahead with State Contest plans as normal. We will delay 30 minutes.

Please meet in the Zora Ellis Bandroom at 9:00 for warm-up. We will depart at 10:00 a.m. (Please be in your seat at 9:00, not walking through the door.)

You should arrive dressed in BAND uniform (black vest, black band shoes, black socks, white shirt, don't forget your bowtie.)

Also, if you have not turned in your permission form be sure to have it with you on Monday!

Before you leave home make sure you have MUSIC and your INSTRUMENT!

Please talk to your friends and make sure they are aware of this information!