​Concert season is off and running! A busy week ahead with Winter Guard Info Meeting, Final London Payments, Chili Dinner Concert, Placement Hearings, and KMEA Auditions! We look forward to our various events over the coming weeks!
 
November 1 – Winter Guard Audition Clinic
Come to the Commons at 6:00 PM if you are interested in auditioning for Winter Guard! See additional information in your recent Booster email.
 
November 3 – Chili Dinner
Do you have what it takes to WOW a crowd with your unique CHILI? Entries must arrive at the Commons no later than 5:45pm. Challengers are encouraged to lure chili voters with your unique table decor, toppings & perhaps costumes. Chili must be labeled with type (beef, vegetarian, chicken, etc.), in a large crock pot, & ready to be sampled/served by 6pm.
Marching Band Students will wear their Show T-Shirt (blue with the fountain logo) and jeans / long pants.
GRAND PRIZE:  4-Days and 3-Nights at the Krizek's VRBO at Table Rock Lake! Two Condos to choose from: Condo 1-Amazing Views or Condo 2-Walk In (No Stairs). Pick your dates (excludes holidays). Standard VRBO terms.
COST: $5 per person at the door includes chili, topping, salad & cornbread. (Proceeds, if any, will go to our general Band Booster Fund.)
TIMELINE:
5:15 pm - Commons open for Chili Contest Entry Set-Up
6:00 - 6:30 pm - Chili Voting
6:30 - 7:15 pm – Dinnertime
7:30 pm - Jazz Ensemble & Marching Band Concert begins in the PAC
November 5 – ECKMEA All-District Auditions
Students who registered for auditions need to report to Gardner-Edgerton High School by 8:00 AM on this day. Auditions usually conclude by 2 PM, depending on the number of auditions in each section. Please see Mr. Love, Mr. Ramsey, or Mr. Westcott if you have additional questions. A detailed email with instructions will be sent to participants next week.
 
Saturday – November 12 - London Parade Rehearsal
1:30 – 4:00 PM at West. We will learn our TV spotlight routine as well as rehearse for the parade and concert. This is a mandatory rehearsal for all trip performers.
 
Placement Auditions
At the conclusion of marching band, we divide into three different concert bands for the remainder of the year: Wind Ensemble (most select); Symphonic Band; and Concert Band. At semester these groups move to different class hours.
 
Instructions are available in Canvas.
 
Upcoming Events
 
This Week
Tuesday, November 1
Winter Guard Audition Clinic
 
Week of November 1-4
BVW Placement Auditions
 
Thursday, November 3
Chili Dinner Concert – Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band
 
Saturday, November 5
ECKMEA All-District Honor Band Auditions at Gardner-Edgerton High School
 
Next Week
Monday, November 7
BVW Band Booster Board Meeting
 
Tuesday, November 8
Veteran’s Day Assembly – performance TBD
 
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy
 
 
Thursday, November 10
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy
 
Saturday, November 12
LNYDP Rehearsal, 1:30 – 4 PM
 
Two Weeks
Tuesday, November 15
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy
 
Thursday, November 17
LNYDP Trip Meeting
 
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy – Non London participants only
 
Looking Ahead
 

​Congratulations Band and Guard on a tremendous competitive marching band season! Our show peaked just in time for the KBA State Championships, and you certainly won over the crowd and adjudicators with our show! 3rd place in class in prelims and the Outstanding Guard Caption (and actually the #1 rated guard in prelims) were a great start. Getting to conclude the competitive marching season in Kansas with the last performance in Finals was truly a special moment. A 5th Place finish among a group of 6 bands who (including West) who have for the past 10-15 years been the most consistent high-performing groups in the state is a great way to cap off the season! We are extremely proud of the individual and ensemble growth that was demonstrated throughout the past several months and look forward to what lies ahead in our program as we finish out the Fall Semester!
 
October 28 – Possible Playoff Football Game
We host a first-round playoff game on Friday. Pep band only – no halftime or pre-game performance. Please note that ALL performances are required – attendance issues should be communicated via email in a timely manner. Click HERE for the schedule.
 
November 1 – Winter Guard Audition Clinic
Come to the Commons at 6:00 PM if you are interested in auditioning for Winter Guard! See additional information in your recent Booster email.
 
November 3 – Chili Dinner
Do you have what it takes to WOW a crowd with your unique CHILI? Entries must arrive at the Commons no later than 5:45pm. Challengers are encouraged to lure chili voters with your unique table decor, toppings & perhaps costumes. Chili must be labeled with type (beef, vegetarian, chicken, etc.), in a large crock pot, & ready to be sampled/served by 6pm.
Marching Band Students will wear their Show T-Shirt (blue with the fountain logo) and jeans / long pants.
GRAND PRIZE:  4-Days and 3-Nights at the Krizek's VRBO at Table Rock Lake! Two Condos to choose from: Condo 1-Amazing Views or Condo 2-Walk In (No Stairs). Pick your dates (excludes holidays). Standard VRBO terms.
COST: $5 per person at the door includes chili, topping, salad & cornbread. (Proceeds, if any, will go to our general Band Booster Fund.)
TIMELINE:
5:15 pm - Commons open for Chili Contest Entry Set-Up
6:00 - 6:30 pm - Chili Voting
6:30 - 7:15 pm – Dinnertime
7:30 pm - Jazz Ensemble & Marching Band Concert begins in the PAC
November 5 – ECKMEA All-District Auditions
Students who registered for auditions need to report to Gardner-Edgerton High School by 8:00 AM on this day. Auditions usually conclude by 2 PM, depending on the number of auditions in each section. Please see Mr. Love, Mr. Ramsey, or Mr. Westcott if you have additional questions. A detailed email with instructions will be sent to participants next week.
 
Saturday – November 12 - London Parade Rehearsal
1:30 – 4:00 PM at West. We will learn our TV spotlight routine as well as rehearse for the parade and concert. This is a mandatory rehearsal for all trip performers.
 
Placement Auditions
At the conclusion of marching band, we divide into three different concert bands for the remainder of the year: Wind Ensemble (most select); Symphonic Band; and Concert Band. At semester these groups move to different class hours.
 
Instructions are available in Canvas.
 
Upcoming Events
 
This Week
Monday, October 24
Final regular 7 AM rehearsal – marching logistics and season wrap-up
 
Friday, October 28
Possible Home Football Playoff Game
 
Next Week
Tuesday, November 1
Winter Guard Audition Clinic
 
Week of November 1-4
BVW Placement Auditions
 
Thursday, November 3
Chili Dinner Concert – Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band
 
Saturday, November 5
ECKMEA All-District Honor Band Auditions at Gardner-Edgerton High School
 
Two Weeks
Monday, November 7
BVW Band Booster Board Meeting
 
Tuesday, November 8
Veteran’s Day Assembly – performance TBD
 
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy
 
 
Thursday, November 10
Winter Guard Rehearsal – 6-9 PM, BV Academy
 
Saturday, November 12
LNYDP Rehearsal, 1:30 – 4 PM
 
Looking Ahead
 
Thursday, November 17
London Trip Meeting
 

Congratulations band on an excellent performance at the Odessa Marching Festival! Percussion placed second (a mere 1 point from 1st) in the Indoor Percussion event, and the marching band placed 2nd in class and 2nd overall in the Field Competition! We received some great feedback that will help guide our final marching band rehearsals this week as we head to the KBA State Championships on Saturday!
October 21 – Home Football vs. Blue Valley – SENIOR NIGHT
All our outstanding seniors will be recognized during the game in addition to giving our final home game performance! Click HERE for the schedule.
October 22 – Kansas Bandmasters Association State Marching Championships
Our final competitive performance of the year! Click HERE for the schedule.
October 28 – Possible Playoff Football Game
We may host a playoff game on Friday, October 28, however that is determined by the outcome of our remaining regular season game.
Placement Auditions
At the conclusion of marching band, we divide into three different concert bands for the remainder of the year: Wind Ensemble (most select); Symphonic Band; and Concert Band. At semester these groups move to different class hours.
Instructions are available in Canvas.
Upcoming Events
This Week
Tuesday, October 18
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
Thursday, October 20
FINAL Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
Friday, October 21
Home Football vs. BV & Senior Night
Saturday, October 22
KBA State Championships Marching Festival - SCHEDULE
Next Week
Monday, October 24
Final regular 7 AM rehearsal – marching logistics and season wrap-up
Friday, October 28
Possible Home Football Playoff Game
Two Weeks
Tuesday, November 1
Winter Guard Audition Clinic
Week of November 1-4
BVW Placement Auditions
Thursday, November 3
Chili Dinner Concert – Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band
Looking Ahead
Thursday, November 17
London Trip Meeting
Justin W. Love
Director of Bands
Blue Valley West High School

Congratulations on navigating a very busy day of performances as we closed out Homecoming! We hope everyone that attended the dance had a great time!
 
Show week this week! Excited to put the finishing touches on the Fountain and showcase your hard work for judges and audiences alike!
 
Revised Schedule for Testing
Due to the National Testing Day on Wednesday, October 12, we will not have morning rehearsal. Thursday, October 13 is an All-Block Day. Rehearsal will begin at 7:40 since we have evening rehearsal that night. Then on Friday we have an additional rehearsal as noted below.
 
October 14 – Marching Rehearsal / Band Host:
Rehearsal from 8-9:30 AM. This rehearsal was added because we normally lose a few days during October to conferences and testing, and we need to ensure our show progress remains on track. Following our rehearsal we will host the Lincoln High School Band from Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the day as well for a rehearsal as they head to the St. Louis BOA Regional. Stick around to watch a fantastic group!
 
October 15 – Odessa Marching Invitational:
Click HERE for the schedule.
 
October 21 – Home Football vs. Blue Valley – SENIOR NIGHT
All our outstanding seniors will be recognized during the game in addition to giving our final home game performance! Schedule will be posted in next week’s update – it will be the same as a normal football game, however, we are still finalizing the details of senior recognition with administration.
 
October 22 – Kansas Bandmasters Association State Marching Championships
Our final competitive performance of the year! Click HERE for the schedule.
 
Placement Auditions
At the conclusion of marching band, we divide into three different concert bands for the remainder of the year: Wind Ensemble (most select); Symphonic Band; and Concert Band. At semester these groups move to different class hours.
 
ALL band students will participate in a placement audition during the first week of November. Music for that placement will be available by 3 PM on Thursday, October 6 in Canvas.
 
Honor Band Auditions:
Anyone planning to audition for the ECKMEA Honor Band must complete the following form no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, October 10. Access the form HERE.
 
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
This Week
Monday, October 10
ECKMEA Honor Band Audition Sign-ups Due by 11:59 PM
 
BVW Band Booster Full Meeting – 7:00 PM
 
Tuesday, October 11
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
 
Wednesday, October 12
No 7 AM Rehearsal – National Testing Day
 
Thursday, October 13
All-Block Day – 7:40 AM rehearsal
 
Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
 
Friday, October 14
Marching Rehearsal from 8-9:30 AM /  Host Lincoln HS Band from Sioux Falls, SD
 
Saturday, October 15
Odessa Marching Invitational - SCHEDULE
 
Next Week
 
Tuesday, October 18
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
 
Thursday, October 20
FINAL Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
 
Friday, October 21
Home Football vs. BV & Senior Night
 
Saturday, October 22
KBA State Championships Marching Festival
 
Two Weeks
 
Monday, October 24
Final regular 7 AM rehearsal – marching logistics and season wrap-up
 
Friday, October 28
Possible Home Football Playoff Game
 
Looking Ahead
Week of November 1-4
BVW Placement Auditions
 
Tuesday, November 1
Winter Guard Audition Clinic & Info Meeting 6-9 PM, Commons

Thursday, November 3
Chili Dinner Concert – Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band
​

This week’s update was a bit delayed with a performance on Monday – this will cover events for the rest of this week plus next week!
 
Congratulations band and guard on an outstanding performance at the District Marching Festival on Monday evening! You continue to show progress in our performances and we are excited to showcase your hard work in the coming weeks as we close out the season!
 
Homecoming Events / Reminders:
Thursday 10/6 – Evening rehearsal. Pick up your new band polo at the end of rehearsal tonight – uniform for pep assembly.
Friday, 10/7 – Pep assembly – You will report to the band room at the start of 7th Block. We perform Part 4 during the assembly and need to make sure we set up with equipment and staged in the Aux Gym. Wear your red band polo.
Friday, 10/7 Football Game - Click HERE for the schedule.
 
Revised Schedule for Testing
Due to the National Testing Day on Wednesday, October 12, we will not have morning rehearsal. Thursday, October 13 is an All-Block Day. Rehearsal will begin at 7:40 since we have evening rehearsal that night. Then on Friday we have an additional rehearsal as noted below.
 
October 14 – Marching Rehearsal / Band Host:
Rehearsal from 8-9:30 AM. This rehearsal was added because we normally lose a few days during October to conferences and testing, and we need to ensure our show progress remains on track. Following our rehearsal we will host the Lincoln High School Band from Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the day as well for a rehearsal as they head to the St. Louis BOA Regional. Stick around to watch a fantastic group!
 
October 15 – Odessa Marching Invitational:
Click HERE for the schedule.
 
Placement Auditions
At the conclusion of marching band, we divide into three different concert bands for the remainder of the year: Wind Ensemble (most select); Symphonic Band; and Concert Band. At semester these groups move to different class hours.
 
ALL band students will participate in a placement audition during the first week of November. Music for that placement will be available by 3 PM on Thursday, October 6 in Canvas.
 
Honor Band Auditions:
Anyone planning to audition for the ECKMEA Honor Band must complete the following form no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, October 10. Access the form HERE.
 
October 21 – Home Football vs BV (Senior Night Recognition):
Schedule will match that of other games with recognition of our outstanding senior class during the game.
 
October 22 – Kansas Bandmasters Association State Championships:
Our state marching championships in Lawrence! This will be an all-day event.
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
This Week
Monday, October 3
Blue Valley District Marching Festival
 
Tuesday, October 4
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
 
Thursday, October 6
Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
 
Friday, October 7
Home Football Game #3 – HOMECOMING!
 
Next Week
Monday, October 10
ECKMEA Honor Band Audition Sign-ups Due by 11:59 PM
 
BVW Band Booster Full Meeting – 7:00 PM
 
Tuesday, October 11
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
 
Wednesday, October 12
No 7 AM Rehearsal – National Testing Day
 
Thursday, October 13
All-Block Day – 7:40 AM rehearsal
 
Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
 
Friday, October 14
Marching Rehearsal from 8-9:30 AM /  Host Lincoln HS Band from Sioux Falls, SD
 
Saturday, October 15
Odessa Marching Invitational - SCHEDULE
 
Two Weeks
 
Tuesday, October 18
Color Guard Rehearsal 6-8:30 PM
 
Thursday, October 20
FINAL Evening Marching Band Rehearsal
 
Friday, October 21
Home Football vs. BV & Senior Night
 
Saturday, October 22
KBA State Championships Marching Festival
 
Looking Ahead
Friday, October 28
POSSIBLE Home Football Playoff
 
Week of November 1-4
BVW Placement Auditions
 
Thursday, November 3
Chili Dinner Concert – Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band
​