Just wanted to let you guys know that West is hosting a marching band competition tomorrow. It starts at 2:00pm and will end approx. 8:30pm. There will be about 18 bands performing see schedule: http://www.wjhsbands.org/2007_08/MBInvite2007/FMBI 2007 Schedule.htm Come out and enjoy the nice weather, see some great bands, enjoy some hot dogs and hamburgers! Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for kids 6-12yrs, free for under 5yrs. :-D
Can't wait!!!! Looking forward to it!...and seeing the middle schools perform the Star Spangled Banner as well! YAY!
It'll be fun. Come early, though...when we went to see Clayton's competition couple of weeks ago, I was up in the stands and got to see most of the shows...the folks who waited to the end to come in and see the big bands had to wait a while to get into the stands and then had to squeeze in for seating... the smaller ones are fun to watch...some of them have very imaginative shows.... I have friends who are involved with the Clayton band and they worked their hineys off in the concession stand up until the time the show was over...they did it big over there and made some GOOD fundraising money for their band. (as much as band costs, please buy some food...we need all the help we can get!)...don't get me wrong...I don't mind, because the kids are doing worthwhile stuff (national competitions, Macy's parade...) It would bug me if I had to work hard to pay for something like a Disney parade (nothing wrong with going, I'm just not a fan of The Mouse...old Walt's probably spinning in his grave to see what's happened to the company), but the kids are doing REAL stuff now...and wait until you see this year's show...good music, complicated marching and great props!
Not trying to start an argument....but West has ALWAYS done REAL stuff, national competitions etc. We marched Disney ONE time because we were already down there for a BOA competition......... Let me guess, you're probably an excited freshman parent? :-D Welcome to West!
Wow! I'd love to go. My husband and I were both in band in the good 'ol days--LOL. Used to march w/ the Marching Pirates as well. I think it would be neat to take the kids out. However, I didn't realize they charged for admission. I thought they'd charge for concessions but not admission. Guess it's been awhile but every time I was in band(high school, not talking about college level) we had hosted things but never charged admission. Is this something new or something that is typically done in NC? Curious. Can't go b/c it would cost us $51 to go. Plus food. Sounds like fun and I do hope some of you can go. I love supporting the arts and music and going to something when they play does wonders for them. I remember loving to see people in the stands that came to hear us. Have fun today everyone. It's a beautiful day to do something like this. Since my kiddos aren't at the highschool level, I'd figure I'd ask now. Typically, how much is it to go to a football game here in NC? AGain, asking b/c where I grew up it was free to go watch your local team. Want to prepare in a couple of years. Can't wait b/c I always thought it was fun watching the local teams get so excited about a game. Have a great weekend everyone! Stephanie--mom to 7
Oh, not an excited freshman parent, more of a skeptical sophomore parent...working hard to make the fair shairs...(did you know that the football players only have to buy their cups and shoes?)...and a little panicked about the cost when my other two are in band (with a total annual cost of almost $3000 that year...ack!) I didn't do band when I went to high school so I had no idea that it was such a big thing (regarding money AND effort). I love watching the band, but it's my kid's high school experience so I'm hanging back and letting him have fun. They really are a good band and I'm super impressed with the staff. I wouldn't have a problem with doing a parade if you're at a location, I just was saying I don't like Disney.
I think the football games run about $5 per person...they are doing a super job this year and the band and football team are working together GREAT, so there's a lot of energy at the games...
As expected, it was a spectacular event! What a beautiful day to experience all those kids giving it their all! WOW! The crowd was huge!!!!! The food was great!!!! The bands were awesome!!!!
When is WJHS homecoming? Will there be a big BAND halftime show? Please do not say it was last Friday night....
Actually it is this Friday. But unfortunately the band will not be there to play as they were already scheduled to be in Towson MD for a BOA competition (and the school knew that when they scheduled homecoming...:shock: ) Its really too bad, especially since the football team and the band seem to be doing so much to support each other this year.
Not sure how they rank as of this year, but in the past they have been ranked in the top for high school bands in the nation, considered by some experts on the same level as a college marching band. In the surrounding area they're biggest competition is I think the Cary High School marching band. If I'm correct they've been invited to march in the Macy's Day Parade for Thanksgiving or something like that, which is nothing to sneeze at. Check them out, think you'll be impressed and this comes from someone that doesn't have any kids in that school.
ummm, wait.... The band director is taking the band away from HOMECOMING? Ok, that's just wrong. Completely and totally wrong. I'm a former band member who used to come up here when it was Cary where the bands had the challenge. We were the best in the state, always challenging Cary for the official title. We worked hard, did fundraisers, and DIDN'T have that "fair share" crap. We've been round and round and I know, bandmom, we've agreed to disagree on this subject.... However To take the band away during Homecoming is, well, selfish. So what, a metal...a trophy...another title. Homecoming isn't Homecoming without the team and the band. Frogger
Ummm, no re-read my post. The band was already on the school calendar as being away this weekend and for some reason homecoming had to be moved and they moved it to this weekend, knowing that the band would not be there.....I guess they (the school) had no other choice? The band could not change their plans (this is an important event they're attending and fees, bus deposits etc had already been paid).
The homecoming game is scheduled for Friday against Knightdale. The school rescheduled the homecoming dance for last Friday night so that band members could participate. The competition this weekend is not just any competition...it is a Bands of America Regional Competition in Towson, Maryland and has direct bearing on their Grand Nationals Championship Competition which takes place in Indianapolis in the RCA dome in November....currently over 80 of the top bands in the country are scheduled to compete. Last year...West Johnston ranked 17th out of the 90+ bands competing.
