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May 10, 2010
This Week's News
- Please see commentary from Mr. Chester and updated calendar.
Commentary
From Mr. Chester
To our friends and family of the Hillwood High School Band:
In the past week we all witnessed unprecedented weather events that affected each and every one of us. Whether you were personally affected, or know someone who was, it has nonetheless changed the course of our lives. Though the events have had tragic outcomes, it has also brought many together in the spirit of helping and volunteering to clean up the devastation that has changed the course of our community. It is my sincere hope that if you were affected in any way, and need additional assistance, that you please contact the band office. The band is, and always will, be a family organization and in times like these it is nice to know that you can count on so many.
School reopened today and, for the most part, the students seem to be in good spirits. We are getting ready to embark on our final exams and end of course testing, as well as graduation. Although I am sure that required testing is last thing anyone wants to focus on at this point, the administration is doing everything they can to ensure smooth adjustments and transitions as we get ready to end the year. Throughout the course of this week and next, subject specific end of course testing (EOC), AP tests, IB tests, senior exams, and testing incentive and awards assemblies are all being packed into the short time frame we have left.
With the chaos of trying to get lost dates re-arranged due to the weather and school closings, the loss of rehearsal time, and the importance of the Hillwood Testing Schedule, some decisions have been made in order to meet the needs of the school and the students, while taking into consideration the quality that any and all performances require.
The Symphonic Band performance that was scheduled for the Bellevue Picnic on May 15th will be cancelled. The event will still go on as planned according to the information I received from the Chamber. Because of the revised testing schedule and the loss of rehearsal time, we will instead concentrate our remaining rehearsal time on the graduation performance that will be upon us in 10 days. Information about this event will be sent out via gig sheets.
There have been a few inquiries regarding the band banquet. Since the band banquet was originally scheduled for May 2nd, and subsequently cancelled that day due to the weather, families asked about refunds for tickets. I can assure you that refunds will be given or credits posted to your accounts. What I ask from each of you is that we need a degree of patience right now as members of our Board of Directors are dealing with catastrophic losses at the moment. If you have a preference as to whether or not you want a refund or a credit posted, please contact our treasurer, Lisa Gaeser, via email at lgaeser@aol.com. The best thing to do in times like this is to keep the lines of communication open and clear. Since the individual academies and classes have awards assemblies scheduled this week and next week, all banquet awards will be given out during the academy awards assemblies.
Please know that in these trying times we are all together in this. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know. If there is anything that I can do for you please let me know as well. I wish you all the very best as we recover.
Warmest Regards,
Michael Chester
Music Director and Conductor,
The Hillwood High School Band
615.353.2050 telephone 615.353.2027 fax
michael.chester@mnps.org
Calendar
MAY
May 12 (Wed) - Curb Youth Symphony side-by-side rehearsal (select students)
May 13 (Thu) - Curb Youth Symphony side-by-side concert (select students)
May 17 (Mon) - Curb Youth Symphony Concert (7:30 PM, select students)
May 20 (Thu) - Graduation Performance at Lipscomb University (TBA)
May 25 (Tue) - Metro Half Day
May 26 (Wed) - Metro Half Day
May 27 (Thu) - Metro Half Day / Last Day of School
The Hillwood High School Band
400 Davidson Road
Nashville, Tennessee 37205
Phone: 615.353.2050
Email: bandboosters@hillwoodband.com
Email updates are provided by Hillwood High School Band Boosters.
Cindy Franco and Shirley Dansby,
Co-Vice Presidents for Media and Community Relations | 
