Eagle Band Family Newsletter

January, 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR, and welcome back to the official newsletter of the Eagle Bands (HMS/SVMS/LNHS)!

As usual, there is a LOT of information here, yet ALL of it pertains directly to our awesome band family! Be on the lookout for newsletters in your inbox near the first of each month!

In this issue:

High School News (LNHS)
Middle School News (HMS, SVMS)
Boosters/Fundraising Update
Upcoming Performances/Events
Director Wish List
Senior Spotlight
Upcoming Auditions/Opportunities/Camps/etc.
Directors Do Things, Too!
Contact Information

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If you wish to receive these updates at a different email address, then please follow this guide to subscribe.

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Getting to Know YOU!

Parents/guardians/other supportive adults -- WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Please click this link to let us know a bit more about YOU and the unique skills you possess!

Do you like building or fixing things? Are you good with accounting? Do you enjoy data entry and logistics? Are you experienced in a non-profit sector? Are you an expert in website or graphic design? Are you willing simply to show up and help with whatever needs done for the students? We want to know!

1. High School News (LNHS)

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All-District Honorable Mention Band

Congratulations to these LNHS students who performed with the 2022 KC Metro District #3 All-District Honorable Mention Band!

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All-District Band

...and to these LNHS students who performed with the 2022 KC Metro District #3 All-District Band!

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All-District Jazz Band

...AND to these LNHS students who performed with the 2022 KC Metro District #3 All-District Jazz Band!

Market Value Asset (MVA), Real World Learning, and Tiered Diploma Information

You may have heard about Market Value Assets (MVAs), Real World Learning, and/or the new tiered diploma system for LPS graduates. (And, if not, you certainly will in the months to come!)

GREAT NEWS! Your participation in the Eagle Bands and LPS Fine Arts gives you a HUGE advantage in accomplishing these! Here is a very brief overview of how your participation in band can help you!

Market Value Assets

A minimum of one MVA will be required for graduation, starting with the class of 2025
Two MVAs will be required for the "Platinum Seal" diploma (see "Tiered Diploma Information" below)
You can design your own MVA, specifically within the context of the Fine Arts! Simply visit this link to start the process!
Please talk to Dr. Doss, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Money, or any other Fine Arts teacher for more guidance and suggestions on how this could look for YOU!

Real World Learning

We do this ALL THE TIME in band! (Think community performances, concerts, events, mentoring, lessons, collaboration, honor ensembles, etc.)
More information may be found here.

Tiered Diploma Information

Beginning with the class of 2025, three different diploma options/paths will be available:

Silver Seal (State Minimum - 7.5 elective credits and one MVA required; 24 total credits)
Gold Seal (LPS Recommended - 9 elective credits and one MVA required; 25.5 total credits)
Platinum Seal (Distinguished - 10.5 elective credits and two MVAs required; 28 total credits)

As you can see, your BAND classes count toward your elective credits, and you can design your own MVA (or two)!

Please bookmark libertynorthband.org, your 'one stop shop' for all things LNHS Bands!

2. Middle School News (HMS/SVMS)

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Middle School All-District Band

Congratulations to all of these LPS students who performed with the 2022 KC Metro District #3 Middle School All-District Band!

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World Premiere!

The students who performed with the MS ADB had the privilege of working with guest conductor/composer Randall Standridge on the world premier of his new work, "Slava March." This piece was composed for, and dedicated to, the 2022 KC Metro District #3 Middle School All-District Band!

3. Band Boosters and Fundraising

The Liberty North Band Boosters are a group of parent volunteers, organized to:

Support the students, directors, and families.
Create a sense of community and encourage parent and student engagement in band activities.
Raise funds to financially support band programs.
Promote the program within the community.

The Boosters support ALL of our Band Family, grades 6-12.

Please contact Booster President Amy Konkle with questions, ideas, or to find out ways to get involved! libertynorthband@gmail.com.

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Executive Committee Open Positions

The Band Boosters are seeking applicants for the following positions on the Executive Committee:

Co-Treasurer
Co-Fundraising Chairs (2)

We would like to have these vacancies filled by Feb. 1 so that the new committee members can 'shadow' those currently serving in these roles. The new members would then assume the positions at the conclusion of this school year.

Please contact Booster President Amy Konkle if you are interested in serving the Eagle Bands in any of these open positions - libertynorthband@gmail.com

4. Recent/Upcoming LNHS, HMS, and/or SVMS Performances

Mon., 1/9 - Band Boosters meeting (7:00 p.m. at LNHS)--CANCELLED (Exec. Committee only at 6:00 p.m.)
Sun., 1/22 - LN Wind Symphony MMEA Preview Concert (2:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS; with special guests from MU, UCM, and Missouri State); Free admission
Wed.-Sat., 1/25-28 - All-State Band/Jazz Band rehearsals and performances (Margaritaville Resort at Lake of the Ozarks)
Fri., 1/27 - LN Wind Symphony performance at MMEA Conference (1:15 p.m.)
Mon., 2/6 - Band Boosters meeting (7:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Mon., 2/13 - LN Solo/Ensemble Festival Playoff Auditions (3:30-5:30 p.m. at LNHS)
Wed., 2/15 - LN Orlando trip meeting (7:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS)
Fri., 2/17 - LN and SVMS Jazz Bands to Northwest Jazz Festival (all day in Maryville)
Wed., 2/22 - HMS/SVMS/LNHS Band-O-Rama (7:00 p.m. in the LNHS Field House)
Fri., 2/24 - HMS/SVMS Festival Bands Clinic/Lock-In (5:00-10:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Sat., 2/25 - LN Jazz Bands to UCM Jazz Festival (all day in Warrensburg)
Sat., 3/4 - KC Metro Middle School Bands Large Group Music Festival (all day at LNHS)
Mon., 3/6 - Band Boosters meeting (7:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Tues., 3/7 - LN Solo/Ensemble Festival Recital (5:00-8:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Mon., 3/13 - LN Large Group Pre-Festival Concert (7:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS)
Fri., 3/31 - High School District Solo/Ensemble Festival (3:00-11:00 p.m. at LHS)
Mon., 4/3 - Band Boosters meeting (7:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Tues., 4/4 - LN Concert and Symphonic Bands to MSHSAA Large Group Music Festival (times TBD at Staley HS)
Wed., 4/5 - LN Wind Symphony to MSHSAA Large Group Music Festival (time TBD at Staley HS)
Sun. 4/16 - Jazz and Java, featuring the Jazz Bands from HMS, SVMS, and LNHS (2:00-4:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Fri., 4/21 - 18th and Vine Jazz Festival (HMS, SVMS, LNHS Jazz Bands)
Sat., 4/29 - High School State Solo/Ensemble Festival (All Day at MU-Columbia)
Mon., 5/1 - Band Boosters meeting (7:00 p.m. at LNHS)
Wed., 5/3 - LPS Middle School Honor Symphony concert (7:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS)
Sat., 5/6 - LPS Middle School District Solo/Ensemble Festival (LNHS)
Mon., 5/8 - LNHS Bands Spring Concert (7:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS)
Thurs., 5/11 - SVMS Bands Spring Concert (7:00 p.m. at SVMS)
Mon., 5/15 - HMS Bands Spring Concert (7:00 p.m. in the JPAT at LNHS)
Thurs., 5/25 - Last day of the 2022-2023 school year!
ORLANDO TRIP REHEARSAL SCHEDULE COMING SOON...
May 29-June 4 - LN Bands to ORLANDO!!!

Whew...that was a lot to type!

5. Wish List

Here is a wish list from the band directors/guard coaches. If you are able to help with any of these, or if you have any contacts/leads, then please contact either Dr. Doss (Justin.Doss@lps53.org) and/or Booster President Amy Konkle libertynorthband@gmail.com!

Vending machine for LNHS band room (to include reeds, oil, marching gloves, flip folder pages, etc.) - Cost unknown

Semi trailer for transporting instruments, uniforms, etc. - Cost unknown

Scholarship funding for HMS/SVMS/LNHS students - specifically, funds for summer band camps, honor ensemble participation, private lessons fees, etc. (These are NOT currently in place, so we would be looking for someone to help create them AND acquire ongoing funding for them.)

New Eagle Band attire for the Directors/Coaches/Staff - Help us dress for success! (We cannot use our school budget money for this, so we would welcome funding for new polo shirts, matching staff jackets, hats, etc.)

Korg CM300 Tuner Cords (DONATED!!! THANK YOU TO OUR TWO ANONYMOUS DONOR FAMILIES!!!) - We currently are short around 40 cords for the students we have. These are available in a variety of colors (black preferred, but not necessary) online and at local music stores - approx. $15-20 each

New 6' silver flag poles for the guard - approx. $500-600 for 30 poles

Two tarp carts for winter guard floor tarps - approx. $250 each

Batteries - 9V, AAA, AA (You would be surprised how many of these we burn through in a year!) - Cost varies by unit

Recruitment wristbands, stickers, candy, etc. - Cost varies by unit (contact Kelsee.Gardner@lps53.org to help with bracelets and/or stickers!)

Gift cards - The Boosters/Directors can always use gift cards to local stores to benefit students for trips, special events, performances, equipment, etc.. (e.g., Walmart, Target, Hy-Vee, Price Chopper, Amazon, etc.)

Used LPS Middle School Band Polos - If you have any gently-used, still in good condition, LPS middle school band polo shirts, then please consider donating them to one of the middle schools (Mr. Dragen at HMS or Ms. Gardner at SVMS)

6. Senior Spotlight

Each newsletter, we will highlight some of our amazing SENIORS!

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Lily Hatch

Instrument(s)/Equipment - Trumpet

Favorite band memory - "I’ll always cherish the memories made at football games alongside friends and peers, creating traditions before and after games and showing off all the hard work we put into band!"

Something interesting/unique about me - "I’m very passionate about visual arts, something I hope to continue when I move to California after graduation!"

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Riley Burt

Instrument(s)/Equipment - Alto Saxophone

Favorite band memory - "Us winning Grand Champions at both competitions last year"

Something interesting/unique about me - "I lead the CAD team on our school's robotics team."

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Carolyn Forgues

Instrument(s)/Equipment - Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

Favorite band memory - "So far, my favorite memory has been from my first year here at North as a junior during marching season. The Friday night lights atmosphere is one of my favorite feelings, even at the state game last year. Every football game was a blast, no matter what."

Something interesting/unique about me - "I've designed, cut, and built a little library from scratch. It thrives at Liberty Middle School, go check it out and exchange some old books!"

Accomplishments/accolades/awards - UMKC Honor Band, All-District Band, Silver Medal at state solo/ensemble festival, MSSU Honor Band Invitation, William Jewell WinFest Participant

7. Upcoming Auditions/Camps/Workshops/Performance Opportunities

Solo/Ensemble Festivals

Students in grades 6-12 may choose to prepare a solo and/or small ensemble work for the upcoming Solo/Ensemble Festivals that happen each spring semester. This is one of the many "extra" experiences we offer as part of our comprehensive band program. Our students have a long tradition of excellence in these events, and we are confident this year will be no exception!

In middle school, the district festival includes each of the four LPS middle schools and occurs on Saturday, May 3. Be looking for more information from Ms. Gardner and Mr. Dragen after winter break!

In high school, there is a pre-festival recital at LN (March 7), MSHSAA district festival (March 31), and State festival (April 29). All music must come from the state required list (the PML, or prescribed music list) and we are limited to 55 entries maximum at the district level.
PML - http://gvlabs.com/festivalmanager/mshsaa/src/admin_pml.php

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Northwinds Symphonic Band Young Artist Concerto Competition

The Northwinds Symphonic Band has an annual Concerto Competition for students in grades 9-12. The winner of this competition not only gets to perform with this semi-professional band on one of their concerts, but they also win a cash prize of $1,000.00! (Dr. Doss has had 4 former students win this competition over the years, though I take ZERO credit for their success in this event! I say this only to let you know it is VERY possible to win!)

Information may be found here. Deadline is January 25, 2023.

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Live Jazz KC High School All Star Big Band

The founders of the Live Jazz KC High School All Star Big Band are seeking motivated high school jazz musicians for this KC Metro honor group. Visit https://www.livejazzkc.com/hsallstars for details, and contact Mr. Fuller for a recommendation/nomination.

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KU Prairie Winds Festival (High School Only)

Feb. 3-4, 2023 - Honor band, festival, and clinic - See https://music.ku.edu/band/prairiewinds for more information!

8. Directors Do Things, Too!

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Tuba Christmas and District Leadership

Mr. Dragen and Ms. Gardner enjoyed taking students to the 2022 Tuba Christmas performance! (...though they did NOT enjoy the cold weather!)

Mr. Dragen just finished serving the KC Metro District in the role of "Vice President-MS District Band," where he coordinated the All-District Band auditions, rehearsals, and performance.

Ms. Gardner is gearing up to host the KC Metro District Middle School Band Large Group Festival in her role as "Vice President-MS Band Festival."

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MMEA Leadership

Dr. Doss, in his role as State Band Vice President, has been busy making final arrangements for the 15 band concerts/clinics at the upcoming MMEA In-Service Workshop/Conference.