Preparing for our 2009 Fall Show Season takes a lot of planning during the summer months and much of what we do is based on class registration that occurs in the spring. The music is the easy part... writing the drill (choreography) is the tough part. Our drill is written for a specific number of students/instruments somewhat based on the commitment made during registration. Each student is assigned a specific field position with his/her own "playbook" for the entire show. A missing student creates a "break" (hole) in the visual picture being portrayed with the music.

Mr. Bosch has been working countless hours during the last month writing the drill. When a student doesn't fulfill his/her commitment to be in Band, we have one of three choices: 1 - Rewrite the drill, which is very costly and time-consuming OR 2 - March with a "hole" in the drill for the entire season, costing us valuable points not to mention additional time for rehearsal OR 3 - Find someone else to "fill" the hole (CMS student). Unlike some sports, we have no substitutes on the bench or on the sideline waiting for playing time.

For the past 17 years, I've worked with many WVHS students and parents, who just like you have wanted to be involved in several high school activities including marching band. At times, the task has seemed insurmountable, but solutions have always been found. Together, we've been able to be more creative than you can imagine. But, the key has been to communicate early and often.

So, for those parents and students who are new to our Band Program, please work with me. On paper, the commitment seems overwhelming, but it is very doable. Your child's experience in the West Valley High School Band will prove to be one of most important and rewarding in his/her high school years. Talk to you soon... thanks.

Jim Loucks, Band Director