FIREWORKS FUNDRAISING CANCELED!

Parents and students,

THE TOP DOG FIREWORKS FUNDRAISER IS CANCELED ENTIRELY. DO NOT ATTEND ANY OF YOUR SHIFTS.

After the training yesterday evening, and much discussion with parents and other educators, I have two major concerns:

1. The safety of our students regarding transportation distance and time of day, operating a store that is located on a major highway, and working with a company which is not providing full time security.

2. The lack of organization by the company regarding training and support for our students and parents.

Though I believe it is important to honor a commitment made to those we work with, I believe it is far more important that I honor the commitment I’ve made to the parents and students. That is to keep the students safe in every way possible. In this situation, I don’t feel that I can guarantee that, and thus do not feel comfortable asking for your participation.

I am so incredibly grateful for the support and the commitment that you as a community have made towards this fundraiser. It is my hope that our future endeavors can be supported in a similar way. The staff will work diligently to provide other opportunities throughout the year to raise money for the band program.

Thank you for your unending support. I wish you a safe and fulfilling 4th of July!

Sincerely,

Ben Muths

Update 5.21

Students, Families, and Supporters:

As we approach our final two weeks of school,  I wanted to send some reminders about events for the end of the year!

Monday 5.22
-Auditions for band placements during classes

Tuesday 5.23
-Auditions for band placements during classes

Wednesday 5.24
-Auditions for band placements during classes
-Marching in May rehearsal #1: 5-7pm @ Kempner HS band hall

Thursday 5.25
-Auditions for band placements during classes
-Marching in May rehearsal #2: 5-7pm @ Kempner HS band hall

Friday 5.26
-Auditions for band placements during classes
-Marching in May Extravaganza Final Concert: call time 5pm, concert starts at 6:30pm
-Annual Lock-In @ Kempner HS, doors open to students at 10:30pm, pick up time is 6:30am (5.27)

LOCK IN
This year for lock-in, students will receive permission slips to attend the event on Monday 5.22. In order to be allowed in the lock-in, students need to turn in their permission slips to a director at the end of the Marching in May concert
5.26).  Parents are asked to not let their driving-aged students drive themselves to the lock-in. Students are likely to get very little sleep and as a result, we ask that a parent pick them up from the school at 6:30am on the morning of 5.27. Students from each section traditionally bring a food/lock-in item I order to pitch in towards snacks that night.
 
 Woodwinds: salty snacks, chips, crackers, etc.
 Brass: sugary snacks, candy, cookies etc.
 Percussion: bottled drinks, small bottles, cans, 2-liters
 Guard: plastic ware, cups, plates, napkins

CALLING ALL PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR LOCK-IN, IF YOU CAN CHAPERONE THAT EVENING PLEASE SIGN UP AT http://kempnerband.org/volunteer/



MARCHING IN MAY
It is essential that students who will be in high school band next school year attend the rehearsals and concert this week as all sections will be meeting about and rehearsing next year's marching band show. Please make arrangements to be at these rehearsals!
All parents are encouraged to attend the final concert on Friday 5.26 at 6:30pm. Students should be there at 5pm to help set up for the concert! Don't forget your permission slips for the lock-in!

Scott Norman
Director of Bands
I.H. Kempner HS

New Sponsor: Willie's Grill & Icehouse!

We are so happy to announce our newest Supporting Level Sponsor, Willie's Grill & Icehouse!

For information on how to become a sponsor of our program and help your advertising as well, please email fchristiano@sbcglobal.net or email IHKband@kempnerband.org!  THANK YOU WILLIE'S!