This semester seems to be flying by in a hurry, and we’re already releasing for Spring Break at the end of this week! With that in mind we will begin selling tickets for Windi and Jazzi online and through the Band Hall Office on Thursday this week. We also need students to bring in their basket items that are listed below as well.

For our Odem JH students that are in Symphonic Winds, and selected Concert Band students, we will begin recording their auditions for All-Region auditions Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in class, and after school. We will be making as many recordings in class as we can, but if students are able to record after school that would help out. They must have their recordings made by Wednesday, at 11:59pm and may record at home if they are unable to be at school those days. Recordings will be judged Saturday and we should have the results to post online by Monday.

Our next event that will be coming up very quickly is our Pre-UIL event on Monday, March 22nd. Due to trying to manage all of the elements of safety for this event, we will be streaming this one online without an in-person audience. We bring in three judges to come evaluate us for this and help us prepare for our final steps on our UIL prep. In order to assist with some other events going on we are going to begin the performance at 5pm with the OJH Symphonic Winds, 5:30pm with the OHS Symphonic Band, and 6pm with the OHS Wind Ensemble. 

Those times may still be adjusted slightly, but our hope is to get students the feedback we need in their final prep leading into UIL to be hosted on April 14^th in our OHS Cafetorium. Students need to be attired in their concert clothes. OHS is Black Blouse/Button Down Shirt and Slacks, Black Dress Shoes, Black Socks. OJH Ladies is Black Blouse/Black Slacks, and Gentlemen White Button Down Shirt, Tie, and Black Slacks/Dress Shoes.

Windi and Jazzi will take place on April 17^th. We have a couple of options on the table, but as of right now we are planning to begin by selling 80 seats in the Cafetorium for that event, and should those sell out quick enough, may add a second showing. This year we are also planning to take our silent auction to an online platform so that those who cannot attend, may still participate and support the band! For now our first step though is baskets for our silent auction. Our Boosters have decided this year to do everything based on grade level. Please see below for your students class. We are looking for one item from every student, generally around a $10 value or so. (More is fine, but if everyone brings in one item around $10 it makes for a nice basket when assembled!)

We need these items by Wednesday, March 17^th in order to assemble the baskets and photograph them for the auction. 

6^th Grade (Class of 2027): Crafts (Painting Supplies, Sewing Supplies, Little Craft Projects, etc.)
7^th Grade (Class of 2026): Outdoors (Grilling Utensils, Sports Equipment, Camping Equipment, etc)
8^th Grade (Class of 2025): Kitchen (Gadgets, Pans, Spices, Utensils, Plates, etc.)
9^th Grade (Class of 2024): Spa (Facial Masks, Scented Candles, Soaps, Lotions, etc.)
10^th Grade (Class of 2023): Family Game Night (Cards, Board Games, Puzzles, Popcorn, etc.)
11^th Grade (Class of 2022): Sweets (Candy, Desserts, Cake Mixes, etc.)
12^th Grade (Class of 2021): Beach/Pool (Blankets, Beach toys, Chairs, Beach Balls, etc.)

Please note that traditionally Windi and Jazzi is the second biggest fundraiser of the year for the Owl Band Boosters. Those funds help the whole band program in Grades 6-12. It’s important that everyone help out by bringing at least one item for their basket!

This Week’s Schedule:

Monday:              OHS Band Hall Open until 4:00pm
                           OJH Region Recordings After School
Tuesday:              OHS Band Hall Open until 4:00pm
                           OJH Region Recordings After School
Wednesday:         OHS Band Hall Open until 4:00pm
                           OJH Region Recordings After School – Completed by 11:59pm
Thursday:            Band Hall Closes at 4:00pm
Friday:                 Band Hall Closes at 4:00pm

Upcoming Events:

Monday-Wednesday:                 Recording Window Open for JH All-Region Auditions
March 22^nd:                              Pre-UIL Contest Concert (JH and HS)
April 14th:                               UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation (Odem)
April 17^th:                                Windi and Jazzi Fundraiser
April 23^rd-24^th:                          HS All-Region Band Clinic/Concert
April 30^th-May 1^st:                     JH All-Region Band Clinic/Concert
May 17^th:                                 JH Symphonic Winds and HS Band Spring Concert
May 18^th:                                 JH Beginning Band and Concert Band Spring Concert
May 28^th:                                 Graduation

Thank you for all of your help and support, please let us know if you have any questions!