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Titan Pride Update

Thursday, April 2nd is our Pre-Contest Concert and Mattress Fundraiser Parent Meeting! Here is the schedule of events for that evening:

6:40 Call time for Concert Band in the Choir Room and Symphonic Band in Band Room
7:00 Band Concert begins
7:35 Band Concert ends/Parent meeting for ALL students/parents begins
7:55 All are dismissed

NOTE: Attendance by students and parents at the fundraiser meeting is CRUCIAL to the success of the fundraiser. This is why I scheduled it on a night where we are all already at school for the concert. For every parent in attendance, the band will be given $5 (up to $500), so thank you in advance for making this evening a priority.

Wednesday, April 8th is State Large Ensemble Contest for the Concert Band. Performance time is 3:00pm. This means students MUST bring their concert uniform to school with them on Wednesday, April 8th. They can hang it up in the band room before school.

Friday, April 11th is State Large Ensemble Contest for the Symphonic Band. Performance time is 3:30pm. This means students MUST bring their concert uniform to school with them on Friday, April 11th. They can hang it up in the band room before school.

Have a great week!

Drumline Clinic Schedule.docx

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Titan Pride Update, End of Marching Season edition

Well……we’ve almost made it. The kids did a marvelous job at Odessa last week and came home on cloud nine. This week we are hungrier than ever and excited to end our season with a bang.

Saturday – small change of plans
Due to some scheduling conflicts with some students, we will be unable to participate in the Indoor Percussion Competition this weekend, so the itinerary has changed to reflect ALL band members arriving at school around 8:45am to be ready in the stadium for a 9am rehearsal.
Here is the updated itinerary:

RSVP for the Banquet
The banquet is rapidly approaching and we need to turn in numbers to the caterer. Please RSVP for the banquet THIS weekend.
It is Monday, November 3rd beginning at 6:30pm at the Bordner (more details to follow next week)
Seniors!!!!! Please send a baby picture and a recent photo to Michelle Krause ASAP for the slide show
Please click on this link to RSVP for the banquet:
Band Banquet RSVP

Band Fees
There are still 20 students with outstanding balances for their band fees. Last week I sent home an invoice in an attempt to wrap this up by yesterday (Wednesday). Please take care of this ASAP so that we may close the books on this marching season.

Concert Season
Begins MONDAY! Have your concert instrument in good shape and ready to play Monday during class. All students should come ready with their instrument (and all necessary supplies) and a PENCIL for every rehearsal.

Symphonic Band Chair Test
All members of the Symphonic Band will be taking a seating test the week of November 3rd. The music for the test is hanging on the windows in front of the Ensemble Room. Please prepare for this test.

Concert Band Chair Test
All members of the Concert Band (3rd Hour) will be taking a seating test the week of November 3rd. The music for the test will be handed out next week. Please prepare for this test.

Percussion Class
Beginning Monday, it is expected that all percussionists in 2nd Hour will have the following in class every day: complete stick/mallet bag, black music binder, and stick pad

All District Band
Participants auditioning for All District Band will have a "screening" audition with Mr. Thurmond or Mr. Harrel during the week of November 3rd that they must pass in order to continue on to the actual audition.
The auditions themselves will take place on Saturday, November 8th at Liberty High School. Times are different for each student and will be posted sometime next week.
Transportation to the auditions is NOT provided, therefore, parents will need to transport their student to/from the audition. If a student needs to drive him/herself (students cannot ride with other students), there will need to be administrative approval through the office.

Concert Uniforms
All females at this time should have their uniform skirt and blouse. If alterations are needed, please see to it that this occurs before our winter concert
All males at this time should have taken home a tuxedo coat, pants, and cummerbund. Boys will need to purchase their own tuxedo shirt and bow tie at a local department store or online. Please make sure this is done before our winter concert.

Winter Concert
Our Winter Band Concert will be on Monday, December 8th in the PAC at LSWHS. Attendance and participation in this concert is required, please block out this date on your calendar at this time to prevent conflicts.
6pm Concert – Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble
7:30pm Concert – Symphonic Band and Titan Jazz Band

Jazz Band
Titan Jazz Band will begin on Tuesday, November 11. Rehearsals will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:15.
For the first session (winter concert), anyone interested in participating in jazz band is welcome.
In January, there will be an audition for the contest jazz band. This select band will compete throughout the spring at several area jazz festivals.
For more information, please contact the Titan Jazz director, Shawn Harrel, at shawn.harrel@leesummit.k12.mo.us

Clifton D. Thurmond

UCM Festival of Champions.doc

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Titan Pride Update Week of October 13th and TONIGHT!

Yea for Friday!

TONIGHT/TOMORROW REMINDERS

  • All Senior/Junior uniform fitting starts at 2:30. Should be in light shorts/blue tee shirt/black socks/marching shoes
  • All Freshmen/Sophomore uniform fitting starts at 4:00pm. Should come ready for game in light shorts/blue tee shirt/black socks/marching shoes (I am feeding them pizza at 4:45 after they have gone through the uniform process)
  • All Senior/Junior report back to the building to get dressed at 5:30pm (students will want a jacket to wear on the OUTSIDE of their uniform in the stands as the weather will be chilly)
  • All Seniors and Family will meet under the NORTH scoreboard at 6:10 for a 6:15 presentation
  • All band members should be on campus by 11am (10:45 preferably). Please note it is Race for the Future day on our campus, so it COULD be quite busy around that time. Please plan accordingly.
  • Band members should arrive in grey shirt and whatever they will be wearing underneath their uniform for the day

NEXT WEEK
Tuesday morning sectionals – 6:45am
NO rehearsal Tuesday night (Choir Concert)

Thursday, Oct 16
5pm Drumline rehearsal begins
6pm Full band rehearsal begins (students to come in marching shoes and BLUE tee shirt)
9pm Full band rehearsal ends

Saturday, October 18
Odessa Marching Festival
11am call for drumline
12pm call for brass and woodwinds
All students arrive in grey performance shirt
Itinerary attached below

Future information

  • Possible playoff games are looming (Oct 24, 31 and Nov 7, 14)
  • Concert season is upon us, please get the concert instrument up and running. We begin on Monday, October 27
  • Band Banquet Monday, November 3
  • THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED MAKE THE UNIFORM CHAOS WORK AND GO!!!! YOU ARE A BLESSING TO THIS PROGRAM!

Have a great Friday!

Clifton D. Thurmond

Odessa Marching Invitational.doc

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Titan Pride Update, week of September 29th

Wow! October is already here, as is fall (my favorite season). Here is the information for next week (HOMECOMING WEEK!)

Monday, September 29th
COOKIE DOUGH ORDERS ARE DUE!!!!!!!!!!
If your student never came home with information, that is because they chose not to participate. The order forms and brochures have been available to them in the band room for two weeks.

Tuesday, September 30th
Drumline rehearsal begins at 5pm
Full band rehearsal begins at 6:30pm

Thursday, October 2nd
Homecoming Parade (3:30pm start)
We will escort the band to downtown LS for the parade via bus. The parade starts at 3:30pm (families are encouraged to attend). We will take a bus back to LSW by 4:15 or so and students will need to be picked up at that time.
Note: If your child is involved in another activity that will be having a float in the parade and your student would like to participate in that float as well, we expect them to march half of the parade with the band and then ride the other float the second half of the parade. We will be wearing khaki shorts, navy uniform tee shirt, tennis shoes, and socks, as well as our ball cap.

Friday, October 3rd
Homecoming Football Game
Call time will be 5:30pm as we will be wearing our full band uniform (old uniform)
Game time is 7pm
Halftime is around 7:45pm. We will line the field at halftime to be a part of the royalty festivities, but will not march our show until AFTER the game. This means a couple of things:

  • We hope you will stick around after the game, and encourage others to do so, to support the band in their performance
  • Student dismissal time from the game will be later than normal, we will have them stay in contact by text

Future Items of reference:

  • Bronco Invitational (October 11) – we have our performance times, but I’m still putting together a schedule of events for the day. Tentatively plan on your child arriving at West at 11am and returning to West around 7:15pm
  • Symphony Orchestra CHANGE – Mr. Mosier has decided NOT to have the full symphony perform on the Fall Concert, therefore, those students will have that evening off.
  • We could have a home game on October 24th and/or 31st. Please be ready for this.

All-District Band Auditions
Those students wishing to audition for All-District Band were to have a recording to me by today (Thursday, Sep 25). Dr Sharp has graciously agreed to cover the cost of their audition this year, however, if a student cancels their audition, doesn’t show up, or is not allowed to go due to lack of preparation, they will need to pay back the audition fee. They will have a screening audition with Mr. Thurmond the week of November 3rd

Band Banquet
At the end of our competitive marching season, we traditionally celebrate with a season-ending banquet. This year’s banquet is tentatively scheduled for Monday night, November 3rd. Be looking for more information pertaining to information, cost, RSVP for non-students, etc. in the near future.

Have a great weekend!

Clifton D. Thurmond

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Titan Pride Update, week of September 15th

Competition season is quickly approaching (1st one is next week!). This coming week is super busy, so make sure to read through this carefully. Feel free to respond with questions as needed.

Tuesday
Sectionals (brass and woodwinds only)
6:45am
Drumline Sectional
5:00pm
Full Band Rehearsal
6:30-8:30pm

Wednesday
Dig for the Cure Volleyball Match
6:00pm call time in band room.
Game will be outside in the stadium, weather permitting
We will be wearing, once again, our khaki shorts/tee shirt outfit weather permitting
Students SHOULD be finished around 8:00pm
Parents are encouraged to attend this WONDERFUL event honoring those who have been afflicted with, are recovering from, have survived, or have passed away due to cancer.

Thursday
Full Band Rehearsal
6:30-8:30pm

Saturday – Preview of Champions Marching Festival (ALL DAY)
Attached you will find a more detailed itinerary for the day. With this being our first competition, we will send home some useful information early next week so each student is prepared for the day.
All band members must report to LSWHS before 10:30am, as that is when the bus should depart.
The band will return to LSWHS around 10:00pm.
We will be performing twice that day. The PRELIMS performance will be at 1:15pm. The FINALS performance will be sometime between 6 and 9pm. Our performance time will be selected after PRELIMS awards.

(See attached file: Preview of Champions.doc)

Some Items on the horizon for you to keep in mind:

  • Boys have been sized for their tuxedo at this point. We will be taking a picture in the near future in our concert outfits (once the girls’ dresses arrive). This picture will be for the marketing of the Washington DC performance. This means boys will soon need to have their tuxedo shirt and bowtie secured. More info on that later. Stay tuned
  • The homecoming parade is Thursday, October 1st. This is an after-school parade. We will bus the kids downtown LS, march the parade, and then bus them back to the high school
  • If your child is a member of the Symphony Orchestra (your child will know the answer to this), he/she has an orchestra concert on Thursday, October 9th. Be looking for communication from Mr. Mosier on this.

Have a GREAT weekend and we will see you TONIGHT at the ballgame!

Go Titans!

Clifton D. Thurmond

Preview of Champions.doc

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Titan Pride Update, Week of September 1st

Hello there! You are receiving this week’s update a day early, mostly because a couple of items would be too late if I waited until tomorrow.

Rehearsal TONIGHT and Music Parents meeting TONIGHT
All marching band members are to be on the parking lot, ready to rehearse at 6:30pm. Several students have been showing up late recently and we’d like to eliminate that. My favorite quote to them about this is "On time is late!"
The first Music Parents meeting is TONIGHT from 7 to 8pm in the band room. This is a meeting for ANY/ALL parents of a student in the music program at LSWHS (not just officers). Please consider attending and getting involved in this wonderful support organization. There are several needs and opportunities for you available this year, and tonight is the night to get acquainted. Hope to see you all there!

Concert Season Uniform
ALL male members of the band (Percussion Class, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band) will be renting a tuxedo from us. This will be worn at every performance outside of marching band this year. Boys were given the tuxedo sizing form (attached to this email) and were told to have it back (completed) by tomorrow, Friday, with a check made payable to LSWHS for $22 or cash.
All female members of the band that are new to the program (Percussion Class, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band) will be purchasing a dress in hopes that is will fit for the duration of high school. These girls were given the dress information form (attached to this email) and were told to bring a check made payable to LSWHS for $80 or cash tomorrow, Friday. During class, some mothers will be here at school to help your daughter try on a dress so we can order the right size.

Marching Band Scheduling Update
We had a schedule swap occur for a rehearsal in October. We now have a rehearsal on Tuesday, October 7th, NOT Thursday, October 9th.
Here is an updated schedule, just in case.

Additional Performance
I apologize for the added event. I fully understand that some conflicts may be unavoidable and that is fine, please just communicate them to me via email.
The band has been asked to participate and perform in the annual Dig for the Cure volleyball match, which will be played OUTSIDE in Titan Stadium this year (interesting, huh?).
We will play at this game in a pep band format on Wednesday, September 17th. More details to follow as we grow closer.

NEXT WEEK

Sectionals
Brass and Woodwinds will meet again on Tuesday morning at 6:45AM.
Drumline will meet again on Tuesday evening at 5pm

Rehearsals
Again, we have a rehearsal at 6:30 on Tuesday and Thursday of next week.

ALL students should have ice cream social tickets in their possession at this time. We encourage them to sell all 10 tickets before next Friday. They are responsible for turning in the money AND any unsold tickets by this time.

Since we don’t have school Monday, please make note of having your son/daughter at school for sectionals Tuesday morning.

Have a great weekend!

Clifton D. Thurmond

LSW Dress Info.doc

LSW Tuxedo Sizing Form.doc

2014 MB Sched Aug 28.docx

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CHANGES to this week's Titan Pride Update + Next Week's Email

Hi there! We’ve had a couple of changes to the email I sent out on Monday as well as the email for NEXT week. Here they are:

Sectionals for Brass and Woodwinds
I mistakenly mentioned they would be on Friday mornings, but they are, in fact, on TUESDAY mornings at 6:45am. This will begin THIS COMING TUESDAY. I will see all brass and woodwind players at this time.

Friday Night Football Game
Due to heat, the football game on Friday night is having a delayed start by one hour (8pm). Therefore, the call time for the full band (in khaki shorts, provided tee shirt, and tennis shoes/socks) will be 7pm in the PAC ready to warm up.
Also, because of the heat, they have moved our pep assembly to 7:30AM tomorrow morning. Because of this change, we will need all band members in the band room to warm up by 7:15am (also with the uniform on). I realize this may create complications with transportation to school, but please let me know if I can be of assistance.

NEXT WEEK’S EMAIL

Ice Cream Social Tickets
In preparation for our Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, September 9th, the students are receiving an envelope full of tickets this morning (THURSDAY, 8/21). Each student is expected to sell these tickets as this is our biggest group fundraiser of the year that benefits the booster organization (Music Parents). Please look for these tonight so you can help your son/daughter take care of supporting this event. More information about the particulars of the event and ticket sales will be sent home from our booster president, Brent Grigsby.

Monday, August 25
All students will be sent home with a concert uniform sizing form and fee sheet. This is for the uniform we will wear from November through May. All boys will be issued a tuxedo for a $22/year fee and will be expected to provide their own bowtie, tuxedo wing-tipped shirt, and black socks/shoes. All girls will be purchasing a concert dress for $80. This should be the only time the girls will need to purchasing this dress, barring significant growth. Attached is the form explaining this and requesting the sizing (boys only) and fees (boys and girls) be turned in by Friday, Aug 29.
(See attached file: LSW Dress Info.doc)(See attached file: LSW Tuxedo Sizing Form.doc)

Tuesday, August 26
Sectionals
6:45am for all brass and woodwind players
Evening Rehearsal
Drumline 5pm
Full Band 6:30pm

Thursday, August 28
Evening Rehearsal
Drumline does NOT have rehearsals on Thursdays unless otherwise noted
Full Band 6:30pm

Have a great week!

Clifton D. Thurmond

LSW Dress Info.doc

LSW Tuxedo Sizing Form.doc

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Titan Pride Update, Week of August 18

Greetings and welcome to the 2014-15 school year!

You will be receiving an email like this from me every week (generally on Friday) throughout the marching season to help keep things running smoothly as it pertains to band here at LSW and in your home. Please make sure you read all bullet points as there will be scheduling information, handouts, deadlines, etc……

Wednesday, August 20th
First day of school
All band members will need to have their instrument with them. We will be playing, as well as learning to use our instrument lockers. Since we don’t have band right away, they can drop their instruments off before school in the band room.
Students will also receive information on how to access the online band handbook at www.titanmusic.org, as well as how to sign the online contract. On this contract, there will be an opportunityCompleting this will be due by Friday!

Thursday, August 21st
Evening Rehearsal
5:00pm Drumline rehearsal begins (I know I said this would be on Tuesdays, but when we only have a Thursday rehearsal, it is necessary to do it then)
6:30pm Full band ready to rehearse on the parking lot.
8:30pm Dismissal

Friday, August 22nd
GAME DAY!!!!!
Band Handbook Contract should be completed online by this day
Football Game
Students should be ready to warm up in the PAC by 6pm
All winds and percussion should be wearing khaki shorts and the provided pep band shirt (handed out this thursday). Khaki shorts are a necessity for our first two football games, our first competition, AND all of the basketball games at which we will play. I understand some students may not currently own khaki shorts, but you can probably get some at Kohl’s for a very reasonable price. Again, THIS IS OUR UNIFORM FOR THE FIRST TWO BALL GAMES AND FIRST COMPETITION (as our new band uniforms will not be in until late September).
For parents, the football game starts at 7pm. Many of our parents sit together, so look out for each other upon entering the seating area.
We are generally done, and students are ready to be picked up, by 9:15 or 9:30pm. Please make sure your child is picked up on time.
As a rule, we do not allow the kids to use their cell phones DURING the game, so please be aware. Continue reading “Titan Pride Update, Week of August 18”

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Titan Pride Update, End of Camp Version

WOW! What a week. This band has so shown up to work. We have been blessed with great weather and a great opportunity to kick this season off in the right way. Your kids have done a marvelous job and I am so proud of the work they accomplished. Here’s to a great season!

TOMORROW MORNING
All students must be on the parking lot WITH instrument in hand ready to warm up at 9am.

All parents are having a general meeting in the choir room at 9am as well. All parents are encouraged to attend.

All SENIORS are to be in the courtyard at 8:30am for their poster picture to be taken.

Performance Preview begins at 9:30 on the parking lot. All families are invited to attend.

Clash of the Titans eligibility meeting (required for participation in the program) is at 10:15 in the PAC. Prior to entering the auditorium, you MUST sign in on the chrome books in the commons/fieldhouse (this is not the commitment form, just proving you were there)

AFTER the meeting, you will be given a pen and a form to sign (both parent and student) on the way out of the PAC. After you sign it and drop it in the appropriate indicated spot, you will be free to leave for the day. (This should be 11:30am)

If you do NOT attend this meeting, you will need to call and set up a private screening prior to our first performance (August 22nd), or your student cannot perform with the band that evening.

NEXT THURSDAY, AUGUST 14th
We have our first evening rehearsal for the year. 6:30-8:30pm at school. All members of the band are to be in attendance.

SCHEDULE
Here, again, is the schedule for the fall. Attendance at each date on this calendar is a part of the grade for our class. Please make sure they are in your calendar now to prevent conflicts. I fully realize there are unavoidable conflicts with sports and I work those out with parents and students when needed. It is crucial students are at these rehearsals/performances for us to achieve the best product with our show.

(See attached file: 2014 MB Sched May 29.docx)

Have a GREAT weekend and see you tomorrow morning!

Clifton D. Thurmond

2014 MB Sched May 29.docx

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Titan Pride Update, Contest Edition

Happy Monday-after-spring break,

It’s CONTEST TIME!!!!!!

Here is the schedule for THIS week’s solo and ensemble schedule:
(See attached PDF file below)
Students should be on campus preparing for their performance no later than 45 minutes prior to performance time. In addition, even though this is our school, students will not have access to the band room or choir room during the contest, so instruments and music will need to go home with them Friday after school.
Performers should be dressed up for their performance, i.e. tuxedo, business casual, shirt/tie, dress, skirt, etc….

We are still in desperate need of volunteers to run the festival Saturday. We need room monitors in a major way. Please go to CHARMS to sign up to help. It is much appreciated. Also, you can contact Nancy Shaeffer for more information (nancyj1013@gmail.com).

For all band students NOT listed on the contest schedule, they will be attending the Lee’s Summit Festival on Tuesday, April 8 at LSHS (more info to come in a couple of weeks)

Large Group Contest is NEXT week.

Concert Band
Concert Band will perform at 3pm on Wednesday, March 26 in the LSW PAC. The performance is open to the public, so if you are able, please attend their performance. Students are to bring their tuxedo/concert dresses to school that day as they will not have an opportunity to go home before the performance. Students will be finished around 4pm.

4th Hour Percussion Ensemble
Percussion Ensemble will perform at 4:55pm on Wednesday, March 26 in the LSW PAC. The performance is open to the public, so if you are able, please attend their performance. Students are to bring their tuxedo/concert dresses to school that day as they will not have an opportunity to go home before the performance. Students will be finished around 5:15pm.

Symphonic Band
Symphonic Band will perform at 3pm on Friday, March 28 in the LSW PAC. The performance is open to the public, so if you are able, please attend their performance. Students are to bring their tuxedo/concert dresses to school that day as they will not have an opportunity to go home before the performance. Students will be finished around 4pm.

Thank you, and have a great week!

Clifton D. Thurmond

LSW Band Solo & Ensemble Times.pdf