October Update

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