Scroll down to read the latest news from Mr. Adams

Here is the link to hear the half-time music for next season. Click on this link then scroll down the page until you see "listen" after the name of each song. Click on "listen" and it should play. The cuts on these recordings may not be exactly the same as we take. Here is the link https://store.msconcepts.com/products/angels-demons-1

Here are the cuts we will take in the 1st hour marching music-
-Chorale and Alleluia: cut 61 to 76
-KA: cut 19-28
-Journey of Man: cut 29-38
-Night Watch: 33-77 (yep, thats a big one)

The music to prepare for the 2013-14 Symphonic Band, District Band, and State Band has been posted on the "auditions" link of this site.  All auditions use the same music.  There is no scale requirement or sight reading for the Symphonic Band audition.  Due to copyright laws, I can only provide the list of music to aquire, I can't copy it for you.  Get an early start to attain your musical goals for next year!  You can get this music at local music stores or on-line at Amazon.com and JWPepper.com, among others.

2013 Band Camp dates, times, and info are posted on the Band Camp 2013 and New Member pages of this site.  We are doing some things differently this summer so check it out.  Most important, New Marchers will meet on May 28 and 29 and the first two days of 1st Hour Band Camp.  1st Hour Band Camp runs from July 29th through Aug. 6.

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5/31/13

Thanks to everyone for a fun and effective first session of New Marchers' Camp!  This was the first time the camp was held in May and I think I like it!  Returning marchers will be impressed by the talent and attitude of the incoming freshman class and our student leaders did an excellent job of helping them to learn our marching basics and pregame music.

I will be sending all of our information to the drill writer so they can start writing our contest show late next week.  It is very important that we have the correct numbers for each section.  Please let me know of any changes to the enrollment that I currently have.  There were a few people on the fence who were considering joining but are not currently on my list.  Please let me know your decision.  We don't want to deal with holes in the formations or people without a spot so it is very important that the numbers I send are accurate.  Section leaders, it would be a big help if you could double check you section and any of the "on the fence" folks.  Please e-mail me with any information at soadams@smsd.org.

Enjoy your summer! 

5/27/13

Here we go!  New marchers' camp starts tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:30AM in the South band room and contiinues through Wednesday.  All new marchers, percussionists, section leaders and officers should attend.  Bring your instrumen, water for outside, comfortable summer clothes (no sandals), sunscreen, and sun glasses.  The forcast calls for the upper 70s-low 80s so it really shouldn't be bad but temperatures are always higher in the sun on the stadium turf. There is also a good chance of rain which I just prefer to ignore.

Sheet music and rental instruments will be available.  If you are renting, please download a rental form off the "forms" link of this site and have your parents sign it.  Rental is 27.00 for the summer.  Make checks out to "SMSD."  Further information about camp can be found on the Band Camp 2013 and New Members link of this site.

I'm looking forward to seeing our new members.  I know you will enjoy your start with the Rompin' Stomin' Raider Band!

5/17/13

Along with Evening of Jazz, there is another exciting musical event that I hope everyone can attend.  Deborah Hass, who is the first chair flute player in symphonic band, has been selected to perform as a featured soloist with the Overland Park Orchestra on Sunday, May 19th.  The concert is at 3PM at the Matt Ross Community Center in Downtown Overland Park (8101 Marty St Overland Park, KS 66204).  Admission is free!  The OP Orchestra is a community ensemble made up primarily of fine adult amateur musicians.  This is a great opportunity to hear some great music, support a fellow band member, and see an example of how you can continue your music well after your school days are over.


5/16/13

There is a breakfast meeting (that means donuts!) at 7AM Friday morning for all Evening of Jazz waiters and waitresses.  Please be prompt. 

OK, last chance before summer, I need rental forms with serial numbers and checks no latter than tomorrow morning-2nd hour.  I know a couple of you that plan on keeping your instrument for the summer have not paid.  If you are not renting the instrument, you need to turn it in for the summer. 

5/14A

Sorry for the second blast today but it is that time of year.  Instrument rental checks and forms are due tomorrow.  I highly recommend renting your school instrument for the summer but I have been given the deadline of this week from the bookkeeper rentals will not be available later for the summer.  The student deadline is tomorrow except for Concert Band who can turn it in during their block period first thing on Thursday.  Rental forms are available on the "Forms" page of this site.

The end of the year band picnic is this Thursday from 6-8 at the Marty tennis court shelter (103rd and Marty).  Bring some chips, a dessert, or a bottle of pop and the boosters will provide the main dish and sides.  This is just a laid back time to get together and enjoy each others' company.  The program is only about 15 minutes where the new officers are announced and the seniors will down some interesting cherished items to the younger generation.  The rest is play and eat time!  Mr. Kohl and I do the chaperoning for this one.

Spencer will be here during seminar on Thursday to work with students on the drumline auditions.  I highly recommend all percussionists attend.

Please keep reading if you haven't seen the first message of the day.......

5/14/13

Congratulations to our seniors on their Graduation last night!  It is tough to say goodbye to such a fantastic class.

Evening of Jazz is this Saturday in the cafeteria.  The jazz band is playing, many students and parents are volunteering, and we hope to have a big crowd to hear one of the best jazz bands we've had in years!  If you have never been, this is a fun night.  Besides our jazz band playing throughout the evening, the middle school and elementary jazz bands each play a set.  There is a silent auction with all sorts of interesting items and the menu has plenty of tasty treats to keep the tummy from rumbling while the music plays.  Our waiters and waitresses are ready to take care of you so sit back, relax, enjoy, maybe even take a spin on the dance floor a couple of times.  The lights are dimmed and a night club atmosphere is created.

The jazz band plays the music but all proceeds go to support the entire band.  We have lots of people that come year after year, well after their students graduate, because it is a great night of entertainment.  Also, students enjoy it because of the dancing and the chance to just hang out with friends in the darkened, music filled atmosphere.

The show is 7:30 to 10:30 Saturday night.  Tickets are 5.00 in advance from jazz band members or 7.00 at the door. 

5/3/13

Congraulations to everyone on a very well played Spring Concert.  All of our soloists were really "on" and most of all, Erin, as our Megan Taylor Soloist.  I thought the Hot Cross Buns video was great.  I hope that can be the start of a new tradition.

I have just posted the music to get and prepare for next year's Symphonic, District and State auditions.  Go ahead an get an early start because the music is challenging.  It was so great to award 10 All-State awards last night.  I would love to see us try to surpass that number next year.  The bar is high:  lots of people will really have to work hard but the earning that achievement is well worth the effort.

Time to rent your summer instruments.  If you need a school owned instrument over the summer or want to keep renting the one you have, please download a rental form off the "forms" page of this site and send it along with a check for 27.00 to "Shawnee Mission Schools" to secure your instrument.  I must have all forms and checks by 5/15.

Everyone but symphonic band is done with concert music for this season.  If you are not renting your school instrument, please turn it in so we can get it professionally cleaned and take care of any needed maintenance.


5/1/13

Happy May Day!  The Spring Concert is tomorrow night at 7PM in the auditorium.  The concert groups wrap up the year with lots of fun music, some favorite traditions and something new.  Freshman Band lets loose with "Down By The Riverside" featuring a dixieland combo and senior, Hannah Cantrell, conducting.  Concert Band plays a western medley that includes, among others, "The Magnificent Seven" and "Blazing Saddles."  A brass ensemble that received our highest score at State Solo & Ensemble will play and Erin Bonifield will be featured as our Megan Taylor soloist.  Symphonic Band will take a ride on a "Rollercoaster," and show off a number of soloists on "Crescendo."  Awards and new addition to the concert end the program.  Stop by the reception honoring our seniors at the end.  It will be a good time-invite someone who has never been to one of our concerts!

Spencer will be here during seminar tomorrow to talk about next year's drum line and to work on some of the skills that will be needed for auditions.

The Youth Symphony of Kansas City, an organization with a long and excellent tradition is holding audition for next year's ensembles.  I highly recommend this program.  Check out this link for more details http://youthsymphonykc.org/?utm_source=YSKC%20eNews&utm_campaign=32a7e696d5-Auditions%20blast-5%2F1%2F13&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_00e0b78e06-32a7e696d5-295895193.

4/29/13

We had a very successful day at State Solo and Ensemble Festival yesterday in Emporia.  Below you can see the ratings for each event.  I really enjoyed each performance I heard.  Thanks to each of these students for representing South and our band program so well.  For our band to continue its successful traditions and then surpass them, we need to look to the example of these students who are really investing in mastering their instruments.  I would hope to see more students in lessons and more of you working on solos and ensembles-yes, the band will be better but what increases the most is your joy and pride in your music.  Summer is a great time to amp up your relationship with your instrument.  Start with regular practice sessions, add lessons, then sprinkle on some fun and challenging music to master and you will have a recipe for getting the most out of your music.

 

 

01:14 solo 103 Ronja Eilhardt 2 01:14 solo 121 C Todd Nobles 1 01:16 solo Auditorium Conner Viets 2 01:28 solo 103 Molly Warshaw 1 01:35 solo 121 C Elizabeth Trites 1 01:40 solo Auditorium Mason Love 1 01:49 solo 111 Vincent Autrey 1 01:49 solo 121 C Lucas Elliott 1 02:03 solo 103 Deborah Hass 1 02:03 solo 111 Megan Stollsteimer 1 02:17 ensemble 103 SMS Flute 3 2 02:17 solo 111 Parker Elliott 1 02:31 solo 111 Kenny Orr 1 02:52 ensemble 406 SMS Brass 6 1 03:16 solo 111 Erin Bonifield 2 03:23 solo 111 Ian Warshaw 1

 

4/22/13

The South Area Band festival is Wednesday night in the gym.  Concert and Symphonic Bands play for this performance-Freshman Band has the night off unless you want some extra credit.  Arrive in uniform at 6:30, get your instrument and head down to the gym.  This annual beast of a concert is a community favorite so come ready to play your best!

Hot off the presses-here are the times and rooms for State Solo and Ensemble which is being held at Emporia High School this Saturday.  I will send out instructions and directions later in the week but this helps you plan your day. 

NOTE: The pre-state recital has been called off because of the busy schedules of individuals and the South Area Festival the following night.

01:14	solo	103	Ronja Eilhardt	Adams, Steve		Flute/Piccolo	Stroth, Melody
01:14	solo	121 C	Todd Nobles	Adams, Steve		Saxophone	Levens, Lori
01:16	solo	Auditorium	Conner Viets	Adams, Steve		Percussion
01:28	solo	103	Molly Warshaw	Adams, Steve		Flute/Piccolo	Silfverberg, Julie
01:35	solo	121 C	Elizabeth Trites	Adams, Steve		Saxophone	Louw, Chare
01:40	solo	Auditorium	Mason Love	Adams, Steve		Percussion
01:49	solo	111	Vincent Autrey	Adams, Steve		High Brass	Muller, Heather
01:49	solo	121 C	Lucas Elliott	Adams, Steve		Clarinet	Parsons, Susan
02:03	solo	103	Deborah Hass	Adams, Steve		Flute/Piccolo	Parsons, Susan
02:03	solo	111	Megan Stollsteimer	Adams, Steve		High Brass	Kohl, Chris
02:17	ensemble	103	SMS Flute 3	Adams, Steve		Flutes/Piccolo Ensemble
02:17	solo	111	Parker Elliott	Adams, Steve		Low Brass	Parsons, Susan
02:31	solo	111	Kenny Orr	Adams, Steve		High Brass	Kohl, Chris
02:52	ensemble	406	SMS Brass 6	Adams, Steve		Brass Ensemble (High)
03:16	solo	111	Erin Bonifield	Adams, Steve		Low Brass	Muller, Heather
03:23	solo	111	Ian Warshaw	Adams, Steve		Low Brass	Silfverberg, Julie

4/17/13

I am very proud of both Symphonic and Concert Band for their performances at State today.  Sym band earned very high scores.  The highest you can get is an 80.  The three judges gave them a 77, 76, and 73 for straight first division ratings.  Very impressive.  Concert Band earned straight second division ratings but get this, the highest second division rating is a 68-69 is first division.  All three of Concert Band's judges gave them 68s!  Straight IIs but only 3 total points away from straight first divisions!  Sooo Cloooose.  Great work to all who played today.

4/15/13

Wednesday is the State Band Festival for Concert and Symphonic Bands!  Make sure those uniforms are looking good and that you bring them on Wed. morning. 

Symphonic Band performs at 10:50 at Blue Valley HS.  Students will miss second block and part of third.  You will be released from class again to eat 2nd lunch if that is not your normal schedule.

Concert Band performs at 1:20 at Blue Valley Northwest HS.  All students will eat 1st lunch then come to the band room to change and warm-up.  You probably won't return to class for the rest of the day.

Everybody practice those final pesky areas.  Let's show the judges our very best!

This past Saturday was pretty good for our guys at Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival.  I'm proud of everyone that played!  Those earning first division ratings, have qualified for State which is at Emporia HS on the 27th.  Here are the ratings that were earned:

SM SOUTH SOLO & ENSEMBLE--APRIL 13, 2013
8:07 AM	I	Mason Love	percussion
8:14 AM	II	Brock Brethour	percussion
8:35 AM	II	Bethany Brautman	horn
8:49 AM	I	Vincent Autrey	trumpet
9:24 AM	II	Franklin Carter	horn
9:25 AM	I	Conner Viets	percussion
9:38 AM	II	Natalie Warshaw	flute
9:38 AM	II	Robert Vohs	saxophone
9:45 AM	II	Rachael Ashcraft	flute
9:45 AM	I	Elizabeth Trites	saxophone
9:45 AM	II	Brass quartet
9:52 AM	I	Kenny Orr	trumpet
10:15 AM	I	Ian Warshaw	trombone
10:15 AM	I	Ginny Friedrich	flute
10:29 AM	III	Parker Hoyt	horn
10:36 AM	I	Erin Bonifield	baritone
10:50 AM	I	Ginny Friedrich	flute
11:11 AM	II	Mixed Wind Quartet
1:00 PM	I	Parker Elliott	horn
1:07 PM	II	Hannah Bonifield	trumpet
1:07 PM	II	Olivia Huels	clarinet
1:07 PM	II	Jack Curtis	saxophone
1:21 PM	III	Nate Rowe	trumpet
1:28 PM	I	Flute trio
1:42 PM	II	Cameron Setty	percussion
1:49 PM	I	Megan Stollsteimer	trumpet
2:24 PM	II	Ashley Robinson	flute
2:45 PM	I	Lucas Elliott	clarinet
2:52 PM	I	Brass sextet
3:22 PM	I	Deborah Hass	flute
3:43 PM	I	Todd Nobles	saxophone
3:57 PM	II	Matthew Plotas	percussion
4:18 PM	I	Ronja Eilhardt	flute
4:39 PM	I	Molly Warshaw	flute

4/9/13

There were two errors on the solo and ensemble list posted yesterday.  Franklin and Bethany have the original morning times that were announced.  The list below has been corrected.

Let's have a big audience for the concert tonight.  The students sound great!!!

4/8/13

Tomorrow night is the Pre-State Band Concert featuring all three concert groups.  All three groups are really playing great.  Please come and enjoy some very interesting and entertaining music played by these outstanding musicians!  Students need to be in there warm-up areas, in their concert uniforms, at 6:30.  The concert starts at 7:00 and will last about an hour.

Here is information for solo and ensemble festival which is this Saturday at Olathe South HS.  Please read carefully.  I know some events are working on schedule swaps.  Make sure you let me know of any changes.  They must be done within the same room as your original scheduled time. 

Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival-4/13

 Olathe South High School

1640 E 151st St  Olathe, KS 66062 

Pointers and Rules…..

-No photocopies except to facilitate page turns. Performers and judges must have originals. You will be disqualified if you use copies.

-Write “SM South” and your name on the judge’s copy and number each measure. Mark any cuts very clearly. The door person will return the music to you after your performance. WAIT FOR IT.

-Warm-up in the gym.

-Dress nice, it makes a good impression on the judge. This is not “blind” like District and State tryouts.

-Arrive early to scope out your room and meet with your ensemble members or pianist. Agree on a spot to meet.

-Soloists-tune carefully when you enter the performance room. You play, then piano. It is easier to hear differences in pitch this way. When the piano plays first, we tend to “lip” the note in tune without realizing it. If you do this, you will battle intonation the entire performance. Practice tuning!

-Ensembles-tune before you get in the room. The judge will hear everything. You don’t want them to hear this process.

-Introduce yourself and your pianist or ensemble members. EX. “Hello, my name is _____________ fromShawneeMissionSouthHigh School. I will be performing _______________ by _________________. My pianist is __________________.

SM SOUTH SOLO & ENSEMBLE--APRIL 13, 2013
8:07 AM	506	Mason Love	percussion
8:14 AM	506	Brock Brethour	percussion
8:35 AM	605	Bethany Brautman	horn
8:49 AM	310	Vincent Autrey	trumpet
9:24 AM	605	Franklin Carter	horn
9:25 AM	421	Conner Viets	percussion
9:38 AM	408	Natalie Warshaw	flute
9:38 AM	416	Robert Vohs	saxophone
9:45 AM	408	Rachael Ashcraft	flute
9:45 AM	416	Elizabeth Trites	saxophone
9:45 AM	605	Brass quartet
9:52 AM	310	Kenny Orr	trumpet
10:15 AM	605	Ian Warshaw	trombone
10:15 AM	408	Ginny Friedrich	flute
10:29 AM	310	Parker Hoyt	horn
10:36 AM	605	Erin Bonifield	baritone
10:50 AM	408	Ginny Friedrich	flute
11:11 AM	605	Mixed Wind Quartet
11:46 AM	419	Sam Tankel-cancel	saxophone
1:00 PM	605	Parker Elliott	horn
1:07 PM	310	Hannah Bonifield	trumpet
1:07 PM	419	Olivia Huels	clarinet
1:07 PM	416	Jack Curtis	saxophone
1:21 PM	421	Hannah Cantrell-cancel	percussion
1:21 PM	310	Nate Rowe	trumpet
1:28 PM	416	Flute trio
1:42 PM	421	Cameron Setty	percussion
1:49 PM	310	Megan Stollsteimer	trumpet
2:24 PM	408	Ashley Robinson	flute
2:45 PM	413	Lucas Elliott	clarinet
2:52 PM	605	Brass sextet
3:22 PM	408	Deborah Hass	flute
3:43 PM	419	Todd Nobles	saxophone
3:57 PM	506	Matthew Plotas	percussion
4:18 PM	408	Ronja Eilhardt	flute
4:39 PM	408	Molly Warshaw	flute

4/1/13

Symphonic Band performs Tuesday night at SM East for the District Symphonic Band Festival.  This is a big performance.  Not only do we play for Dr. Stephen Davis of UMKC who will clinic the band on Thursday during seminar, we also play for the bands and their fans of each SM high school.  We want to show them our best in performance and as a classy audience.  Students need to be there in full uniform with everything you need for your performance at 6:30-meet in the drama room (old band room).

During the concert, a collection will be taken to help the band director from Olathe Northwest HS.  Many of you have heard that Rosa took a terrible fall just weeks before band camp started last summer.  Her injuries were very severe and she will probably need intense therapy for many years.  She is wheel-chair bound and probably will not be able to return to her love of teaching HS band.  The ONW students and boosters have done many projects to help out with the incredible expenses and changes that Rosa and her husband must deal with.  The SM band directors would like to invite everyone in our bands to donate a dollar to help out.  Please bring a buck (or more if you would like) to support the efforts of ONW's band students and parents to help their director.

I was asked by some students to post the link to the recording of Armenian Dances that was played this morning in class.  Here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0ALu_j7fxc

3/6/13

Congratulations to our Band President, Erin Bonifield (senior euphonium player).  Erin was awarded a 500.00 scholarship by the Kansas Music Educators Association at the All-State Band concert held in Wichita last month.  The scholarship is awarded to a future music education major who plays a wind or percussion instrument and is a member of All-State.  Erin is going to make a fantastic band director in the near future!

Jazz band members and parents-look at the jazz band link for details about our trip on Thursday.

3/3/13

Drum major practices begin tomorrow (Monday) and continue on Mondays and Wednesdays until the tryouts.
Practice starts at 7AM and is open for anyone interested in being next year's junior or senior drum major.  Our current drum majors will run the practices.  To be considered for drum major, you must commit to all rehearsals and performances during the season.

Thanks to the jazz band for there work during sub-state basketball.  They played four nights in a row and sounded fantastic every time.  We now take our show on the road to Topeka for the State playoffs.  First game is Thursday and will hopefully continue each night through Saturday when we help our guys finish their perfect season.

We are down to two weeks before Spring Break.  All ensemble classes have scale projects that must be passed off by break.  Get on it and pass them off.