This note is a little bit late, but certainly needs to be written. Mr. Carlson and I (Mr. C) wanted to express how extremely proud of the band we were on Saturday night for what turned out to be a chilly but passionate performance. We were so impressed at how well everyone dealt with adverse conditions (cold, time restraints, illnesses) and pulled together with such an amazing team effort. It is such a thrill to watch the Lincoln Marching Band Machine in full throttle – from the students’ audience-pleasing performance to the racing roadies to the sleepless chaperones to the die-hard fans in the stands. It was a fabulous performance by all, and it was thrilling to see everyone rewarded in such a big way on such a big stage.

We especially wanted to thank the students that graciously gave up so much of their Fall to join us at the last minute to fill the spot of someone who dropped out during the season. The hole fillers are: Kristian Asfeldt, Natasha Baumgartner, Veronica Bierig, Devin Fox, Natosha Hiipakka, Virginia Larsen, Rachel Munce, and Natasha Phill. Those are eight spots that would’ve been empty throughout the season had these students not stepped up and helped us all out.

We are now dealing with another issue that is taking students out of band – the flu. Last night we had 40 students out with type A influenza and the H1N1 virus, among other things. We are hoping students fully recover and have modified our rehearsal schedule to hopefully make things a bit easier on everyone. Please continue to practice healthy habits to hopefully avoid contracting an illness.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed to make Saturday night a success. We are proud of you all!!!

Many items are borrowed from this season; some items remain borrowed from the 2008 season.  Please check the most recent Band Parent email for a list of students and items.

All items need to be returned to Kathy Waters or Kelly Tollefson for proper credit.  DO NOT lay them on the Carlson’s desk, in the band room or on the steps to the attic or you will not be credited.

A list for any items or money still owed at the end of the band season will go to the office and you will be unable to get final transcripts or diplomas until it is paid off.

Thanks for your assistance
-Chaperones

Our “on field – off field” race against the clock that we have to deal with when we perform in Des Moines will be one of the main rehearsal points this week.  They have very stringent rules regarding time, and we will be doing a modified field entrance and exit so as to avoid getting penalized for going over time. The weather looks to be very similar to what we experienced this past weekend at FOB, so in that regard we had a good dress run through. Hopefully it holds, the wind stays calm, and MAYBE the temperature will be a few degrees warmer than what they’re predicting. Regardless, we’ll continue to put our best foot forward.  The weather conditions look to be tough this week for rehearsals, but we’re coming off of a year during which we rehearsed in SNOW getting ready for the Macy’s parade, so this weather should be no tough feat to work though for these students.  We’re looking forward to ending this season strong, so students, bundle up and come ready to work.  We have no doubt you will!

Valleyfest field competition

Saturday

11:00 a.m. – Load buses
11:45 a.m. – Depart Lincoln (Eat sack lunch en route)
5:30 p.m. – Arrive at Valley High School Stadium grounds
- Eat pizza (provided)
7:00 p.m. – change into uniforms
- unload/assemble equipment
7:30 p.m. – begin warm-ups/stretching/basics/section time
9:30 p.m. – Depart warm-up site and transport to Valley Stadium
9:45 p.m. – Arrive at entrance gate
10:15 p.m. – LHS MARCHING BAND PERFORMS IN VALLEYFEST COMPETITION!!!
11:00 p.m. – Awards presentation
11:30 p.m. – March back to buses & pack up/load
12:00 p.m. – Depart for Sheraton hotel
12:30 a.m. – Band arrives at hotel
PLEASE REMEMBER:
- Be respectful of other guests and chaperones
- Close doors quietly and speak softly
1:30 a.m. – Lights out

Sunday

8-10 a.m. – Rise and Shine – SET ALARMS!!!
10:00 a.m. – Light breakfast served by bus
10:30 a.m. – Load buses and head to Jordan Creek Mall for lunch and shopping
(lunch on your own)
2:00 p.m. – load buses (please be on time – keep track of time & don’t make everyone wait for you!!!)
2:15 p.m. – Depart for Sioux Falls
8:00 p.m. – Arrive at LHS