Parents, Students, Supporters,

What an incredible few weeks it has been.  We are now through Homecoming week and on to the second half of our marching band season!  Students are doing a wonderful job working to improve themselves and the show.  A number of students have been checking the Google Classroom and watching videos of their performances to see what they can do to improve their performance.  This is great, and will pay off in the long run.   As always, I am extremely grateful for the parents that have donated their time to come in and support the bands over the last few weeks.    

Senior Night 

Senior Night is this Friday, September 30th.  If you have a senior in the band it has been a tradition that the seniors family creates a memory board to be hung on the fence in front of the band.  Most seniors/families will get a poster board and post pictures of their senior throughout the years.  (Seniors, please have your info sheets to me tomorrow at the beginning of 5th Hour.)

At the game Friday night we will need help placing our backdrops and carrying pit equipment.  If you are available, please consider lending a hand to help the marching band.

Competitions
The marching band has two marching band festivals remaining.  Our next one is in Sikeston.  Our performance time is set for 4pm.  Two weeks later we will be at Ste. Genevieve for their marching festival.  This will be our season closer.  We will also be the very last band to perform (9pm) before awards.  

Fundraising

The HS Band is working on our second fundraising effort of the year.  In order for this fundraiser to be successful, we will need the help a local farmer.  If anyone is related to a farmer, or personally own cattle, please respond to this email.  My goal as director is to keep student fees as low as possible, while at the same time allowing students exciting experiences within music.  I also personally do not want our students selling items from fundraising catalogs and will do what I can to keep that from happening.  I appreciate anyone whom can help with this endeavor.   

Lessons
All district auditions are November 1st.  The East Central All-District Band is made up of the best musicians in our area.  To become a member of this group, and then be eligible to audition for All-State Band, students must audition at Festus HS.  Any student interested in auditioning for the all-district band needs to speak with Mr. Boyer about setting up a time for an after school lesson.  

Communication/Social Media
Stay up to date with what is going on with the band program by following us on social media or Remind.  You can follow the band on both Facebook and Twitter by searching DeSoto Bands.  If you have taken pictures of the bands or band students over the course of the season, please send them, tweet them, or share them with us.  Mrs. Boyer will be creating DVDs of the year and these pictures can be included.  For those of you not on social media, I have attached three pictures of our senior banners, a new tradition, and one of the band before the homecoming parade. 

If you would like to get updates sent to your phone via text message you may sign up for our Remind text service.  Text @dhs5 to the number 81010. 

Padlet
For anyone wanting to share a message with the band, or wish them well, you may follow the link below.  Messages posted on this board can be seen by the public and our band students.

https://padlet.com/boyer_darrell/desotobands 



Upcoming Events
September 30th- Senior Night Football Game
October 8th- Band Competition in Sikeston, MO (MB Plays @4PM)
October 18th- Band Booster Meeting @5pm
October 21st- Football Playoffs (If we host at De Soto, the band will play)
October 22nd- Ste. Genevieve Marching Festival (MB Plays @9PM)
October 25th- HS Jazz and 8th Grade Band Halloween Concert
November 1st- All-District Band Auditions @Festus HS @3PM

I hope that you all enjoy your week and I look forward to seeing you all soon!

DB


Darrell Boyer
Director of Bands
De Soto High School

Vice President of Junior High Jazz
East Central District #7

Remind (Text) @dhs5 to 81010
Facebook: /desotobands
Twitter: @DeSotoBands
www.desotobands.org

Friday Night Football Game
September 16th, 2016
5 pm Call time, get in uniform, check helmets, rehearse
6:30 pm Troop to field
7 pm Kickoff

After the game all students need to hang their uniforms properly.  Percussionists need to help load the trailer for Farmington before leaving.  This should not take nearly as long this year as we are using less equipment than years past.  
 
 
Farmington Marching Invitational
­­­­September 17th, 2016
All students should come to the band room dressed in band shorts, shirts, and shoes.  We will have limited time to get ready and will need to pack the trailer.
11:45am Full band report to Band Room, put on uniforms
12:45pm Load busses and leave for Farmington
1:45pm Arrive in Farmington and unload
2pm Warm Up
3pm Performance
6:15pm Awards (Drum majors need to be present)
6:45pm Load busses and leave for De Soto
8pm Arrive home, put away equipment, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Students should bring money for concessions ($10-15).  Parents wishing to sign their student out after the performance may do so with Mr. Howard or Mrs. Solomon.  All students are responsible for putting their equipment away.     

Parents, Students, Supporters,

(You are receiving this email because you are either a member of the DHS Marching Band, a parent of a student, or a supporting staff member.)  

First off, I would like to thank the many parents and volunteers for your support of the marching band so far this year.  Parents and boosters have done a fantastic job organizing and supporting the band.  There have been a number of parents coming in to donate time and helping out where they can.  We have also had quite a few donations that are going to help us continue to improve our program.  Again, on behalf of the students, THANK YOU.

The DHS Marching Band has had one schedule change since the band calendars went out in May.  We will not be participating in the MIZZOU Band Day that was scheduled for September 10th in Columbia.  Instead, we will be going to the Farmington Marching Invitational on September 17th in Farmington, Missouri.  All student fees need to be paid before students will be permitted to perform at Farmington.

This competition is an afternoon event, allowing for any students wishing to take the ACT the ability to do so.  Our tentative performance time is 2:30pm.  Students will receive an itinerary when this time is confirmed by the festival manager.

Also, as a reminder, we will be rehearsing on September 8th, 2016 from 6-9pm.  This rehearsal has been on the calendar.  This will be our weekly rehearsal due to the football game being held on Tuesday of that week.  

The De Soto Bands continue to grow and improve.  Right now we have approximately 120 students in the HS Bands, 50+ in the JH Symphonic Band, and 90+ in the 7th Grade Band.  Last night at our instrument display night, our music company SOLD OUT of instruments!  I believe the students are excited, parents are excited, and the community is excited about the future of this program.  

I wish you well during the Labor Day weekend, and look forward to seeing you soon!

Mr. B