Message from Mr. Lesando
Good Afternoon BVSW Band!
I’ve wanted to take the time and address some upcoming conflicts that have been created due to the district guidelines regarding COVID-19. Dr. White announced last night that our schools will be closed until April 6th but this could be adjusted to several different scenarios. I will try to address some basic things that we will need to adjust with our band calendar as some things have already been changed.
MARCH:
All other events on the calendar are to be held as scheduled until we receive future guidance from the District and Local Health Officials.
Find some time in the extra weeks off to practice your instrument and stay fresh on your concert music. If you were planning to perform at solo and ensemble, you should still prepare for the possibility of performing at State. There will also be opportunities to perform at the end-of-the-year Awards Concert.
Additionally, we have decided to change the format to the annual Awards Concert this year. Instead of doing awards during the concert, the students will perform and then students and families are invited to the BVSW Commons for the Senior Board Displays and Awards Reception following the concert. This change should allow the directors and students to focus on performance then celebrate the students with their families while enjoying student videos and a final view of the 2019 marching production. All students and families that have participated in the BVSW band and color guard program this year are invited to attend.
That is all the news I have for now. Please watch CANVAS and your email for updates regarding end of the year band functions, 2020 Percussion Auditions, and 20-21 Marching band Meetings.
Respectfully,
Brandon J. Lesando
Director of Bands
Blue Valley Southwest High School
I’ve wanted to take the time and address some upcoming conflicts that have been created due to the district guidelines regarding COVID-19. Dr. White announced last night that our schools will be closed until April 6th but this could be adjusted to several different scenarios. I will try to address some basic things that we will need to adjust with our band calendar as some things have already been changed.
MARCH:
- Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band Winds - March 25th Formal Concert: This concert is currently cancelled. As an activities calendar becomes clear and discussed amongst all of the faculty (Perf. Arts) that use our PAC, we do not have a make-up date for this concert.
- Winter Guard - March 28th MCCGA Championships: The circuit has cancelled the championships for this year. Mr. Penny will be contacting you all shortly about a plan to close out the season.
- Jazz Band – March 30th Blue Valley District Jazz Festival: This event is currently cancelled. The District band directors are currently looking at alternative dates.
- Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band Winds - April 1st and 2nd Large Group Prefests are currently rescheduled. Should the schools open on April 6th as planned, we will HOST these events on April 8th and 9th, respectively. More information about these events will be available soon. This is also contingent on KSHSAA’s continued plan to host State Large Group Festival on April 15th.
- ALL Winds and Percussion – April 4th KSHSAA Regional Solo and Ensemble – This event has been cancelled by KSHSAA. State Solo and Ensemble is still planned however, the guidelines for how students will be able to qualify without a regional is a question yet to be answered by KSHSAA.
- ALL – April 6th and 7th Leadership Auditions – These two days will be converted into just interviews and will be spread out that whole week of April the 6th. Be prepared to answer basic questions about your goals, motivations, and ideas for the band as a part of this interview. Expect interviews to last approximately 10 mins.
- Audition Packets will be distributed electronically via CANVAS and Remind. All forms will be electronic. The due date for leadership packages will be April 24th.
- We will schedule separate days for the following items:
- i. Class Speeches (in-class)
- ii. Teaching Demonstration (after-school)
- iii. Drum Major Conducting Auditions (live: in class, recorded: after-school)
All other events on the calendar are to be held as scheduled until we receive future guidance from the District and Local Health Officials.
Find some time in the extra weeks off to practice your instrument and stay fresh on your concert music. If you were planning to perform at solo and ensemble, you should still prepare for the possibility of performing at State. There will also be opportunities to perform at the end-of-the-year Awards Concert.
Additionally, we have decided to change the format to the annual Awards Concert this year. Instead of doing awards during the concert, the students will perform and then students and families are invited to the BVSW Commons for the Senior Board Displays and Awards Reception following the concert. This change should allow the directors and students to focus on performance then celebrate the students with their families while enjoying student videos and a final view of the 2019 marching production. All students and families that have participated in the BVSW band and color guard program this year are invited to attend.
That is all the news I have for now. Please watch CANVAS and your email for updates regarding end of the year band functions, 2020 Percussion Auditions, and 20-21 Marching band Meetings.
Respectfully,
Brandon J. Lesando
Director of Bands
Blue Valley Southwest High School
Band Booster Fundraising
We will update everyone with any adjustments as soon as they are arranged. Thank you for your support!
Louisburg Nursery & Greenhouse |
Hanging Flower Basket Fundraiser
Tuesday, March 24 - Tuesday, April 16
These 12” multi-color, multi-flower hanging baskets are prepared by Louisburg Nursery & Greenhouse, and will do best in full sun to partial shade. Each basket is $30, cash or check payable to BVSWBB, collected at the time of sale. Order forms and payments are due to the band room drop box by noon on Friday, April 17. On Saturday, April 25, 8am–Noon, customers choose and pick up their purchased baskets at the BVSW Band parking lot. These colorful baskets will brighten your yard, decorate graduation parties, and make great Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation gifts! Questions - contact Jenny McKinsey. |
