Plans for the remainder of the school year

Well, here we are at the end of March already!!!!   It seems like we just started school just yesterday.  We have had a really good year so far.  We have had concerts, contests, and a lot of fun.  Now we look forward to the last few weeks of school.  Next week is Spring Break and you know that after then, the days just fly by.  So, let's see what's coming up so that we can be ready for it.

Tonight is the Grade School Musical.  It's really cool and the students are doing really well.  Make sure that you set aside time to come to this special event.  It starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Nauvoo Grade School - TONIGHT.

In April, we have

• the Grade School Talent Show at 7:00 p.m. on the 19th;
• JH Band and Chorus day trip to the WIU Steel Band concert on the 24th;
• JH Drama Class Play, "The Emperor's New Clothes" at 7:00 p.m.on the 26th; (You don't want to miss this play.  The students are working really hard.  This is going to be a really good show.)

In May, we have

• JH Chorus and Band concert at the Warsaw HS Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on May  2;  we will award the outstanding 8th grade band member at this concert, with recognition of other outstanding students.
• JH Chorus and Band grade school tour on May 10;
• Grade School Band, Chorus, and Recorder Group concert on May 15 @ 8:15 am.
• The JH Chorus will perform at the 8th grade Promotion during the last week of school

We hope that you can make all of the performances.  It has been a good year and the students have done a really good job.

Mr. D - (a personal note); I don't know if I will get a chance to write in the blog again before everything comes to an end for this school year.  So, I'd like to say that I have really enjoyed working with your students over the last ten years.  We have seen a lot of success in our band, chorus, and drama programs here in Nauvoo.  I'd like to thank everyone who allowed us to work with your students and for all of the support that you gave us over these last several years.  I will miss everyone, but I am looking forward to having some time for myself and for Mrs. Dowell.  I know that you will continue to support Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Kanauss as they continue the fine music and drama program here in Nauvoo.  Thanks again.

IGSMA 2012 Awards

IGSMA 2012 Awards, a set on Flickr.

Results from IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest

Well, the results are in.  Our students did a marvelous job at contest last Saturday.  Here are the big numbers:
52 total entries - 35 Division I's; 14 Division II's; 1 Division III; 2 DNA (did not appear).  All in all a very good results.

We have several first place students playing on Thursday evenings, Kaleidoscope Recital Concert starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Junior High Gym.  Please plan to come and support these students giving them the recognition that they deserve for a fine job well done.

Sorry we can't list names, but that's the way modern internet privacy needs to work for our students.

Pre- Contest Information

Well, here we are right before contest again.  Been a busy first of the semester and now the third quarter is almost over.  But, Mrs. Wilson is really glad that Mr. Dowell is back from his leg injury and Pacemaker surgeries and back in the game.  He says that he'll try to be better for the rest of the year - especially because this will be his final year teaching full time.  Yes, he is going to retire at the end of this school year.  But, fear not, the school has made plans to keep the band program going strong.  More information on that later from the school board.

Anyway, Saturday's schedule is pretty simple.  Everyone should have gotten this from your band and chorus student a couple of weeks ago; but, we know that some students aren't really good about bringing that important information home, even they have been told to do so.  Here it is - that is SATURDAY's schedule.

6:45 Students check-in at either Nauvoo-Colusa JH or Warsaw HS, depending which is closer.
6:30 Buses depart for Quincy Notre Dame, 1400 South 11th Street, Quincy, IL
7:30 Buses arrive at Quincy Notre Dame
8:00 Contest Begins
12:15 First Bus return via Koehler Implement, Warsaw HS, and NCJHS
~ 3:00 p.m. Second Bus returns via Koehler Implement, Warsaw HS, and NCJHS

Students should dress nicely.
Students have been given their individual schedule.  Parents and families are encouraged to come to Quincy to hear their student play and sing.  After they are finished, you may take them home.  Be sure to sign out at the home room area.

Questions:  Mrs. Wilson is at Grade School on FRI and Mr. Dowell is at Junior High.

Check back later for pictures and information.

Catch up with the school year

WOW! Where has all the time gone? We have been so busy that the school year has just flown by.  Well, here we are a few days right before Thanksgiving.  We have already had a bunch of marching performances, our fall concert in October, several students participating in the IMEA District Concert Festival at Macomb, and, of course, the Spooky Parade.  Now, we are getting ready for the Christmas concerts:  Grade School on December 8th and Junior High program with GS Band and Chorus on December 15th.  The Grade school program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Junior High gymnasium.  The Junior High program (on the 15th ) will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the West Theatre at the Nauvoo Historic Visitors Center.   Then, poof, the first semester is all over.

Of course our drama class has been learning all about pantomime and the students are getting really good.  So good in fact that we are planning a full length musical play for them to perform in the Spring.  Look for more on that later.

The guitar class at the Junior High is strumming right along.  The students can play around 20 chords.  They are also working on trios.  Wow!  The guys and gals are getting to be pretty good. 

We really appreciate all of the help and support our parents and families have provided so far this year.  We just couldn't do all the stuff that we do without your invaluable help. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.

Well, everyone have a safe and joyful Thanksgiving.  After the break, we'll update again with a whole bunch of pictures.  As always, if you have any questions, give Mrs. Wilson or Mr. Dowell a call.

Start of Another Year

Welcome back all music students.  We get to welcome our year-long drama and guitar classes too.  That's right folks, we have a year-long drama and guitar class at the JH this year.  We are excited about the prospects for what this year is to become.

The chorus is busy working away at their music for the first concert toward the end of October.  Check out the calendar for the dates.

The band is working away at its marching and playing skills.  They have already marched in the Grape Fest Pet Parade.  They are looking forward to the Homecoming Parade and the Parade of Champions.

Everyone - check out the calendar for all of the activities for the year.  We have included the Nauvoo Orchestra schedule for those of you involved in it. 

Keep checking back to our blog.  We will work at giving you a weekly update now that the year is well underway.  What do I mean, a month of school is already over and we are looking at mid-terms in the next week or so.  So, work hard everyone and keep playing, singing, strumming, and miming. 

End of the year

Well, we're in the last few days of school for this year.  We have had lots of great adventures.  A lot of good music and a lot of new friends made.  We hope that everyone has a safe summer.  We wish our 8th graders the very best as they begin High School next fall.  We look forward to our "new" 8th graders returning AND we look forward to our "new" 7th graders.

Keep your eyes open for the announcements for the new school year and its activities.  We'll be posting our new calendar very soon,.