Dear Lassiter Band Parents and Supporters,
AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, UNBELIEVABLE are but a few words used by music teachers to describe the recent performance by the Lassiter Symphonic Band at the Georgia Music Educators Association Annual In-Service Conference in Savannah. On January 29, our top concert band performed an hour-long concert for a standing room only audience of over 1,000 music teachers from throughout Georgia. It was one of our best concerts in years and the students worked tirelessly to present the band in the most positive light. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.
Of our 3,000 teacher members, we usually have nearly 2,000 of our members present at this conference. The conference offers more than 150 continuing education sessions in all areas of music instruction including general music, band, chorus, orchestra, piano, music technology, and music theory. The clinicians for these sessions share their expertise with their colleagues while attending the conference at their own expense. We also bring in nationally known educators, conductors, and performers in all areas of music to discuss topics of importance to music teachers. Our trade show features 150 exhibitors of school music merchandise, publications, instruments, uniforms, fund raising, and school travel opportunities, as well as college and university schools of music and summer music camps. There were six high school concert bands invited to perform.
Our Friday night concert was held at the beautiful Savannah International Trade and Conference Center received a standing ovation during the program and three standing ovations at the end. The symphonic band performed seven selections ranging from two works originally written for the professional orchestra to an upper-level college concert band work. At the concert’s conclusion, hundreds of well-wishers crowded the stage area and congratulated the band and it’s conductors. The word “AMAZING” was repeatedly used by almost everyone in attendance to identify the quality of the performance. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Borchert put together a beautiful 11-page program and also served as assistant conductors on the concert. We were also pleased to have the opportunity to work with soprano soloist, Bonnie Krider on Frank Ticheli’s Angels in the Architecture. Bonnie is a 2007 graduate of Lassiter where she performed in both the band (flute) and choral programs. Composer Frank Ticheli, one of America’s most prolific wind band composers, made several positive comments referencing our performance. He indicated via email that he was “so impressed and so moved” by our performance. He also stated that he “had to remind himself that they are only high school band…but obviously not just any high school band—these kids a very special indeed.” He signed off his email, “Bursting at the seams.”
Excellence in music (and academics) is truly a way of life for members of the band and Symphonic I Band in particular. Symphonic I is the first of four outstanding concert bands at Lassiter. Leading the state once again, twenty-four of these students have been selected (through auditions) into the Georgia All-State Band. We have led the state in the number of members in the All-State Band since 1987, and as we all know, participation in any All-State group is considered a major accomplishment. The 68 members of Lassiter Symphonic Band are very proud to have represented Lassiter in this statewide invitational concert event. An Encore Concert for the community is being planned now. Details to follow.
Musically yours,
Alfred L. Watkins