Mr. Sargent and Mr. Hoffman for getting the school ready and especially to Mr. Sargent for coming early Sat. morning to shovel the sidewalks

The teachers for the use of their rooms and to those who donated "goodies" for the workshop

Mrs. Corrigan for rearranging many of the Solo and Ensemble contest times so student council could participate in the workshop

To all the parents who made cookies and helped either Friday and/or Sat. We could not have done it without your help and support.

To the former SMS student council members from high school and college who came to help in the classrooms for the group activities. The adult sponsors had high praise for each one of them.

To Mrs. Wille who helped Friday after school and all day Saturday. She is such a strong supporter of student council and is ALWAYS there to help!

To Mrs. Warfield for attending the workshop and giving a "welcome"

Finally, to the students who spent many hours getting ready for the workshop, helping to set up and clean up and being excellent "hosts" for the workshop. I am very proud of them!

The Concert Band Members have been working on their solos and ensembles in order to prepare for our upcoming contest on Feb. 20. The contest is being held at Dwight Junior High School. The times for the performances will not be available until at least the first week of February. This year the band has 21 solos and 2 ensembles going to contest. The students are also working for the Fine Arts Festival at Pontiac Township High School. This festival happens every two years and all the feeder schools are asked to participate in the festival. The band and chorus will be performing that day. The performances will run from around 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. More information will be coming home on this festival.

Here is a list of performances that I expect everyone to attend this year. Please, talk to me if there are any conflicts.

Date Event Time

Dec. 16^th All School Christmas Program (5^th – 8^th grade) 1:00 & 6:45

April ??? Solo & Ensemble Contest (6^th – 8^th grade) varies

April 27^th Fine Arts Night (4^th – 8^th grade) 7:00

May 1^st ??? IMEA Organizational Contest (6^th – 8^th grade) varies

May 24^th Memorial Day Parade (6^th – 8^th grade) 9:30

Here is a list of optional performances that I know of at the present time. I know some other performances may come up throughout the year.

Date Event Time

Oct. 12^th IMEA District Chorus Tryout in Bloomington (Directors Choice) varies

Nov. 21^st IMEA District Festival all day

Saint Mary’s annual Beginning Band Night will be held on Tuesday, September

1^st at 5:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. A representative from the Music Shoppe will be here to execute rental contracts for instruments. Families who already have an instrument should bring the instrument to Mrs. Corrigan for inspection before this meeting.

I will demonstrate the various instruments to the class the first week of school and give them each a chance to try out two or three instruments before this night. Then, I will recommend a particular instrument or choice out of two instruments for your child based on physical characteristics, etc. Each family will be given 10-15 minutes to meet with Mrs. Corrigan and watch their child try out the instrument of his or her choice prior to this meeting. Appointment times are on Tuesday, August 25^th and Wednesday, August 26^th, after school. I will be happy to schedule another time if this will not work for you. If anyone has questions they may call Mrs. Corrigan at school during the day.

The beginning band students have one group lesson once a week for 30 minutes. We will probably start lessons around the week of Sept. 14^th. This will depend upon the Music Shoppe rental instruments being here by then. I will keep you posted on the actual date during sign up on Sept. 1^st.