Holiday break (just in time)!

Season’s Greetings!

I’m writing this from the comfort of my living room, sitting in front of the pellet-burning stove. We finally got to dig out today from this last winter storm. I know that being in town we were luckier than some of you out in the country (I hear of some of you with 6′ drifts on the country roads).

Anyway, on behalf of the Norris Music Department, I wanted to thank all of you (students, parents, staff, community members) for a wonderful first semester! The accolades that the department received this semester are all because of the hard work and dedication of all of you. We really appreciate what you do for our department!

That’s what I’m thankful for this season. I thought I would share. Happy Holidays to you all! Stay warm, stay safe!

Dr. Lee

The official reschedule of the Middle School Concert…

Hi!

Due to the recent snow events of this week we have moved the Middle School Holiday concert to Tuesday, December 15. The start time is 7:00pm as it was before. Hope to see you there!

Also a reminder that the High School Holiday concert is scheduled for Monday, December 14, also starting at 7:00pm.

Dr. Lee

Middle School Concert Announcement!

Due to the weather situation and no school on Thursday it has been decided that the Middle School concert scheduled for December 10 will be postponed. We are looking at sometime next week for the reschedule date, although we don’t have the date as of yet. We will announce it when we get back to school Friday.

Thanks for understanding!

Dr. Lee

Concerts coming up fast…

Hi!

The Middle School Instrumental holiday concert will be this Thursday, December 10 at 7:00pm in the Norris Auditorium. Groups featured will be the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands.

The High School Holiday concert will be on Monday, December 14 at 7:00pm in the Norris Auditorium. Groups featured on this concert will be the Concert and Show choirs and the Symphonic and Jazz Bands.

Hope to see you all there!

Dr. Lee

Congratulations in order…

Mr. Hansmeyer was recently awarded the “2009 Choir Director of the Year” award at the NMEA All State convention. This award was presented by the NCDA (Nebraska Choir Directors Association). Great work Mr. Hansmeyer!

Dr. Lee

The end of the semester is in sight…

…and coming fast! Here are some things that you should know:

The end of the semester is December 22. Make sure you have all your work (written assignments, scales, rudiments, anything else) finished by that date.

Holiday concerts are scheduled for December 10 for Middle School (instrumental only) and for December 14 (High School Choir/Band). Both concerts start at 7:00pm. Hope to see you there!

Winter activities are starting. If you want to participate in winter guard or drumline, please make sure you contact Dr. Lee or Mrs. Andre soon so we can reserve a place for you in these groups.

Winter guard mini-clinic is scheduled to begin next week (November30-December 4). If you want your middle school student to be involved, please contact Mrs. Andre or Ms. Wilhelm to reserve a spot!

Norris Music Gear is in! Support your music department with the new line of t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and window decals! Contact Barb Monson for more information on how to order!

We wish you a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Dr. Lee

All State successes!

Just wanted to first give a big congratulations to all of the students involved in the band and choir at NMEA All State this year. Great job and wonderful concerts last night! You make us proud!

Secondly I wanted to post the picture from the banquet the other night where the music department received the NMEA Exemplary Program Award. These awards aren’t easy to get. In fact, we had started the process to get this award about a year ago. Anyway, we couldn’t have received this without the hard work and dedication of our students, our colleagues, and our community. Thank you for all you do for the Norris Music Department!

A major announcement!

The Norris Music Department will be awarded the Nebraska Music Educators Association’s Exemplary Award. This award will be presented on November 19 at the NMEA All State convention.

The application for this award was rather lengthy, starting last year about this time. A panel from NMEA did a final observation last spring and confirmation of the award was sent to our department earlier this year. In the 12 years that this award has existed there have only been four other schools to receive it. We are the first to receive the award as a district-wide recognition.

Thank you for your continuing support of Norris Music!

Dr. Lee

A couple of announcements…

The Norris Music Boosters have begun a new line of Norris Music gear that you can order. Available items are t-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, license plate covers, and personalized window decals. For more information, please contact Dr. Lee or Mr. Hansmeyer.

Band banquet forms are available. Remind your band student to bring one home. Forms are due by Thursday, October 29th and the banquet will be held on Monday, November 2 at 6:30pm in the high school MPR.

That’s all for now!

Dr. Lee

A reflection on the season…

The Norris Marching Titans finished their season last Saturday at Seacrest Field, scoring a Division I rating with a score of 83.75. This performance caps a season of straight Division I ratings! Great job!

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the people that helped with our season this year. Without your help we would not have been as successful as we were. The kids really appreciated the support.

First, to the music parents…thank you for your support and your time in getting them to school for the early morning practices.

Second, to the music boosters…thanks you for your countless hours in acting as setup crew, chaperones, bus sponsors, and general “catch-all” people.

Third, to the people who came out to our performances…thanks for your support and feedback from the stands. It’s nice to have a crowd to play to.

Fourth, to Gayle French…thanks for your help with uniforms, making sure the kids were dressed properly.

Fifth, to Jerry Williamson…thanks for taking your time to drive the second trailer.

Lastly, to Jessie Andre…thanks for your hard work with the guard and with our visual program.

Plans are already in the works for next season. Keep tuned for show announcements sometime 2nd semester.

Dr. Lee