This post contains several important reminders for keeping uniforms looking sharp and fresh. This applies to football games, competitions, and any time uniforms are worn.
- All students must wear a black modesty layer beneath their uniform (compression shirt, biker shorts, camisole, etc.). Items should be logo-free or very discreetly logoed
- Be sure to wear black marching socks
- Bring your marching shoes and shako (hat)
- Volunteers will ensure students have the items above before they can check-out their uniform
- BVWBB has a few extra items that will be issued if a student does not have what they need. Student ledgers will be charged as follows: socks $5, gloves $3, black t-shirt $8
- Each student is expected to hang their uniform neatly and place it in their garment bag in order to check out

The BVW band will be performing in the Blue Valley Showcase at the District Activities Complex on 135th and Switzer (SWIDAC) at 7:00pm on Monday 9/27. This will be the last full run through before the Blue Springs Invitational competition the following weekend. As such, we need to emulate a REAL performance. From loading the truck, arriving and unloading at the complex, and schlepping items on/off the field...it will be the real deal! Parents will be invited to watch...and what better way to watch than by being part of the action?!?!

MANY volunteers are needed for this District Showcase and final run through. Sign up here: ​www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4aada928abf58-blue1

The warm fall weather we're having is making our students extra thirsty! The band could use more bottled water. We would appreciate any donations of bottled water families are willing to provide. Cases of water can be brought to the band room at any time.

There was a magic in the air on Friday night as our students took the field. We can't wait for the Friday 9/17 homecoming game! More parent help is needed to pull it off and new roles have been added. Please check out the volunteer shifts available and sign up if you can! www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4AADA928ABF58-home1

Congratulations on your first full performance this year! It was exciting to start some new traditions with the walkout and our new pre-game! It was also great to get a solid run of Part 1 under our belt so we can continue to move forward refining the show. The marching season is a journey - and we strive to make each rehearsal and performance stronger than the previous one! Keep good focus this week and we can accomplish that!

Thank you to all our parent volunteers who assisted with food, uniforms, snacks, and schlepping this week!

Uniforms:
A reminder that all clothing under the uniform must be black. Missing items will be rented or available for purchase from the uniform room this Friday as we get set for our Homecoming performance!

This Week:

Monday, September 13:
6:30 PM - BVW Band Booster Board Meeting

Tuesday, September 14:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Wednesday, September 15:
Panera Bread Fundraiser

Thursday, September 16:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal  - The Performing arts showcase scheduled for this date has been cancelled - please see communication from BVW Administration regarding this change.

Friday, September 17:

Pep Assembly - 1:52 PM - Wear West Swag / Class Colors!

Home Football Game #2 - See SCHEDULE for details.
​

Next Week

Tuesday, September 21:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Performing Arts Assembly during School - Details TBD

Thursday, September 23:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal  

Saturday, September 25 - Parent Preview Show & Rehearsal - Time and Location still TBD

Looking Ahead

Monday, September 27 - Blue Valley District Marching Band Showcase - Evening performance - schedule similar to a football game

Saturday, October 2 - Blue Springs Marching Festival - Afternoon and evening schedule - details released this week

Wednesday, October 6 - Marching Rehearsal due to game change

Thursday, October 7 - Home Football Game #3

Saturday, October 9 - Olathe District Marching Festival

Our first restaurant night fundraiser is coming up next week at Panera Bread on 159th. Please consider ordering from Panera on September 15 to support the band! We'd appreciate you sharing the information with friends and family as well. Every bit adds up! Details can be found in the flyer below.

We hope all of you are enjoying the long weekend and getting some rest before we have our first full performance at the Football Game this coming Friday! We are excited to share the hard work our students have put in over the last month!


Rehearsal Reminders:
One of our primary goals this fall was to simply get our students and band program back into a routine. Overall our students have been adjusting well, but there are two of our rehearsal expectations that still need a little attention to maximize our efficiency and in turn produce highly successful performances.

1. Punctuality - Evening rehearsal begins at 6 PM, generally on the Turf Field. Students are to be in warm-up block ready to rehearse at 6. Please plan your arrival at West to allow sufficient time to get your instrument and arrive at the Lot or field before 6. Late arrivals need to be communicated well in advance (thank you band athletes who have done a very good job with that!)

2. Prepared - In order to clearly see the formations we are making on the field, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion students are to wear white or grey shirts, and color guard is to wear black. We suggest students get a shirt or two to place in their locker just in case.

Remember - if we focus on HOW we do things, WHAT we do will take care of itself - exceptional groups pay attention to ALL the details! Thank you for your continued work to set our sights high!

Uniforms:
Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped fit and alter our uniforms! Please double check NOW that you have black shorts / shirt / compression gear to wear under your uniform. On Friday don't forget to bring your shako and marching shoes to school with you! Please note that on Thursday this week we will rehearse with marching shoes and shakos on.

This Week:

Tuesday, September 7:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Thursday, September 9:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal 
WEAR YOUR MARCHING SHOES AND BRING YOUR SHAKO FOR REHEARSAL!

Friday, September 10:
Home Football Game #1 - See SCHEDULE for details.

Next Week

Tuesday, September 14:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Thursday, September 16:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal  - The Performing arts showcase scheduled for this date has been cancelled - please see communication from BVW Administration regarding this change.

Friday, September 17:
Home Football Game #2 - See SCHEDULE for details.

Looking Ahead

Saturday, September 25 - Parent Preview Show & Rehearsal - Time TBD

Monday, September 27 - Blue Valley District Marching Band Showcase - Evening performance

Saturday, October 2 - Blue Springs Marching Festival - All Day Event

Wednesday, October 6 - Marching Rehearsal due to game change

Thursday, October 7 - Home Football Game #3

Saturday, October 9 - Olathe District Marching Festival

The Boosters are selling spirit buttons in preparation for competition season! Buttons are 3 inches and will feature your student's individual photo. Parents wear these buttons at marching competitions to show school pride and support their band or color guard member. Buttons are $5 and must be ordered by Wednesday 9/15. Order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mI260TQ2eRo2sxiO2BxJlLWQjZhMynGgE2pbW4iqV5Y/edit?fbzx=6224140760041339393

Great job band this week at our first pep assembly! Just one more week till our first full marching show! 

With Back to School Night / Open House this week, please take a moment to view our Band Handbook. This outlines some of the general details about our program including Grading, Lettering, Course Descriptions, and Special policies.

Varsity Letters - 2020 / 2021
Each year students have the opportunity to earn Varsity Letters in addition to earning academic credit in band. Letters are awarded to students who participate in activities above and beyond general classroom expectations, and details can be found in the band handbook. During the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year COVID shutdowns led to a shortage and delay in receiving letters, pins, and bars for students who earned them. All materials are now in stock. If you earned a Varsity Letter in the previous 2 years, please contact Ms. Anna Sweeney, Administrative Assistant in the Main Office and you can arrange a time to pick up any missing award items. 

This Week:

Tuesday, August 31:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Thursday, September 2:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal ​

Next Week

Tuesday, September 7:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal

Thursday, September 9:
6-9 PM - Full Band & Color Guard Rehearsal 

Friday, September 10:
Home Football Game #1 - See SCHEDULE for details.

Looking Ahead

Thursday, September 16 - BVW Performing Arts Showcase Performance, 6-8 PM

Friday, September 17 - Home Football Game #2 - HOMECOMING!

Saturday, September 25 - Parent Preview Show & Rehearsal - Time TBD

Monday, September 27 - Blue Valley District Marching Band Showcase

Saturday, October 2 - Blue Springs Marching Festival

Band students who did not get their individual photos taken last week will have a make-up opportunity this Tuesday 8/31 from 5:00pm-6:00pm. If this applies to you, please mark your calendar for this important date!

Non-senior color guard members will have their individual photos taken on Tuesday, September 7. Stay tuned for details.