Of the 32 who were part of the band assessment, three are 7th grade beginners having only played their instrument since January, nine are second year band students in the 8th grade, and seven are freshmen. Only two are seniors, five were juniors and six were sophomores. They were all playing and being assessed on a SENIOR high level. To put it in perspective, imagine your 7th and 8th graders taking 10th grade End of Course exams and getting 90%.

The band meets in FOUR different class periods. As a result they have rehearsed for this performance in combined form only FOUR times; three of those requiring them to stay after school. As for the fourth time, Dearest Junior High teachers, and Mrs. Keller and Mr. Bell, I love you for not complaining when I needed to get the kids out of your class 5th period on Friday for one last group rehearsal! Nearly every other band at the regional assessment meets as one class period. To put that in perspective, imagine the football, basketball, or volleyball team practicing as a team once a week for four weeks.

Finally, we could not have done this unless the KIDS chose to do well. The kids chose.

I am proud to be their teacher.