I want to start by congratulating our MSHS pep band for a great atmosphere and stands performance last Friday night. I thought you played well at a very exciting game. Maybe more exciting than our football program wanted! Deshler football game always impresses and the Deshler band hospitality is always great. Thank you again for a wonderful game.
This week we will go outside Tuesday-Thusday. Due to predicted weather we will be inside Monday (today). Friday will be an inside music rehearsal as well. Due to Hazelgreen cancellation, we do not have a game Friday.
JUNIORS! This Tuesday starting around 3:00, we will have a uniform fitting day. We will have a parent here to assist you and figure out what kind of alterations will be needed. We will start as close to 3;00 as possible. Even if it means you stay after school for a little bit, please make sure you try on your band uniform and let the parents know of alterations needed.
BAND SHOES! Sophomores through Seniors need to make sure you are good with band shoes. Let us know by tomorrow as we will be making the official order then. Freshman, we have already taken care of you.
A special word from Mr. Waters
What does it mean to be great? What does is take to be a part of something great? What makes the MSHS band program great? Am I a great band member?
Last Friday during 4th block, a number of things that happened during that days rehearsal as well as rehearsals prior brought about a good talking to from Mr. Waters. I want to continue that learning lesson this morning.
One thing I want to make clear is that we are indeed lucky to be having band right now. We are operating at about 70% of what we normally do. However, the 30% we aren’t doing is sorely missed. The entire program feels it including the staff.
Students, it is time to stop rehearsing and living at 70%.
The Muscle Shoals program has a tradition of greatness. Year after year the products and music produced is at a very high level. This is due to the commitment from all levels of the program from administrators down to the parent organization. We make a point to go all in. If we are going to do it, we might as well be the best we can be at it. This year should be no different.
The Muscle Shoals Band is only as good as you make it. We are only as good as our last performance and last rehearsal. Every year we graduate seniors with 4 years experience and replace them with freshman with no experience. It is the cycle of public education band programs everywhere. If we are to be “great”, it is because you made a decision to be it.
Three ways to be great:
- Self Assessment: Constantly assess your work and your general attitude. When you work hard others will join in with you. If you have a consistent positive attitude people will join in with you.
- Practice daily: If the band is to sound great, the performers must sound great. If you think you sound better when you play with the band than you do when you play alone…..you are lying to yourself. When you can play your part and sound good only then do you add good sounds to the mix . Be a giver and not a taker. Practice and make the band sound better.
- Put others needs ahead of yourself: When you put others needs ahead of your own needs, suddenly you start seeing the world differently. You will practice more because others need you to. You will start showing up on time because others need you to. You will start making sure others have what they need and your will become less selfish. You will see the world through a different lens.
While this is a recipe for band success and student success, this is also the same recipe for life success. Band is nothing more than a microcosm of life. If you self assess on a regular basis, practice your life skills, and put others needs ahead of yourself what a wonderful life you will live.
If the entire world followed these three things………………..how different our world might be.
YWNWA
