Downey High School

  

Dear Band Families,

   The end is finally near. My time is up. In the fall you will have a new fearless leader. Someone else to complain to! It was a lot of work, fun and very rewarding. Some kids (and parents) actually noticed and appreciated all the time and effort that went into being band booster president. I hope you show the same appreciation to my successor.

   While it is the end of the school year, there is still a lot of work to be done. Since there haven’t been any ads purchased for the Spring Concert, the programs will cost $1 (if you want one). Times are rough, materials are expensive, and someone has to pay for them. Guard will be hosting a concession stand which will offer light snacks and refreshments. Please support them. Tickets are on sale, see Mr. O. They remain $10 per person. We need items for the silent auction. Bath baskets, movie baskets, any item is welcomed (so long as it is G rated!)

   Band will have a fund raiser at Rubio’s on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 from 5pm – 8pm. Come and enjoy the good food, company all while supporting a good cause.

Don’t forget family fun night was moved, and is now Thursday, May 29 at Downey High. We will have a food booth and will be selling chicken skewers.

   Our annual band banquet will be on Wednesday, June 4 @ Maggie’s Pub. Tickets are on sale for $25 per person. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Kids will receive their pins, patches and/or plaques at this time. New board members will be introduced. It’s a good time to get to know everyone and have a good time.

   Graduation is around the corner. We will have our usual booth of selling roses, leis, and graduation bears.

For those of you with seniors, one last shot at supporting future band members. Let’s keep the music going!

   Our fireworks stand preparation is under way. Sign up sheets will soon be posted in the band room. Please take sign ups seriously.

   Our last booster meeting will be on Tuesday, May 13 @ 6:30 pm in the band room. Please attend this meeting as this is where voting will take place, the budget will be hashed out (it IS your money-you do have a say as to how it will be spent). Incoming freshman parents are strongly encouraged to attend as it is their future too that is being decided! These meetings are the perfect time to ask questions and get familiarized with how the parents get things done for your students. If you want to know what’s going on, please join us.

  

 

 

For those with students in the Jazz Bands, the Santa Barbara trip will go forth. A charter bus has been hired and the fee is $25 per student. Please send payment to Mr. O as soon as possible. Make checks payable to Downey HS Jazz Band.

   Most important message: The first payment for band fees is due on Tuesday June 10. This is the day you will register returning band members and new ones. For those having trouble getting money together, consider sending out letters to family and friends. A little effort goes a long way. We recently received FULL sponsorship for 2 of our students. They took some time and mailed letters to their family and some friends. To their surprise, Mr. O received a check from a very generous member of our community-paying for their band fees in their entirety. My student has done the same to raise Jazz fees. It does work. You never know who will send what. It is well worth the effort. No student should have to say that they don’t have the money to pay, when all they have to do is write a letter! If you or your student would like help drafting such a request, or a sample letter, please contact me. It is NEVER too late.

Then of course, there’s always washing cars, and mowing lawns!

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Upcoming Events:

5/7 – Regionals @ Kennedy  CT 1:30 pm

Send kids with food, drink and/or money! Don’t let them go hungry or thirsty-PREPARE!

 

5/13 – Final Booster meeting! 6:30 pm band room

5/14 – Spring Concert @ Downey Theatre

5/26 – NO SCHOOL

5/28 – Rubio’s Fundraiser – 5pm-8pm-Landing

5/29 – Family Fun Night @ DHS

 

 

              Our website can be seen by going to:

www.downey.dusd.net  DHS, music program tab or

http://bands.banddirector.com/downeyhighschoolband

Please check the band’s website often.