Northwestern High School Band
 Purple Regiment > 2008 Welcome Letter

The following letter was written by Director Larry Wells and was provided to all members and perspective members of the 2008-2009 Purple Regiment

 

Dear Parents,

 I will begin this letter with a huge THANK YOU !!!!  If you’re reading this letter you have already made a huge investment in your child’s future. You’ve made the commitment to support music in your child’s life. I am a strong advocate and supporter of the performing arts. Band is an extremely important component of your student’s academic, social and artistic development. Unlike other school activities, music touches the mind, heart and soul. It is a vehicle to involve the total being; physically, mentally, emotionally and artistically. After 39 years of teaching band students, I find myself in a very unique position to fully understand and appreciate the impact that band has on young people’s lives. Long after high school, college and years of a chosen profession, it will be the memories made in band that linger. The performances, the moments that brought a lump to your throat or tears to your eyes, the thrill of making “real” music for the first time or simply the friendships made that last a lifetime will provide lasting rewards for time well spent. Congratulations on being caring and supportive parents. 

The Purple Regiment has many unique performance opportunities next year. We will travel to Cullowhee, NC on October 11-13 to compete in the Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions – a regional contest that matches some of the most outstanding bands from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. We will again compete in our State

4A Upper State and State Championships. Also, the Northwestern Band has the distinct opportunity to perform in Hawaii during our trip on April 10-17, 2009. We will perform on the deck of the USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor. What a wonderful and moving experience for all our students! 

We as adults realize that to achieve anything of great significance, or to accomplish our goals, we must first have the desire, dedication and self-motivation to work hard. The success of our band program depends on these traits plus a certain degree of continuity. For our students to be truly successful, they must work constantly and practice to improve their individual and ensemble skills. The only way to improve ensemble skills is through daily practice and exposure to full ensemble ( i.e. band practice ) 

We firmly believe that each student should be actively involved in the program for the entire year. We know that from time to time, scheduling problems do arise that might prohibit a student from taking band for a semester. THIS HOWEVER IS THE EXCEPTION AND NOT THE RULE ! Students who are musically inactive for a semester and return after six or seven months do not retain the proficiency or skills to perform with the band on the expected level. These students find it very difficult to keep up with the performance abilities of the students who have been playing all year. Band becomes a big “Family”. We hope that each student will grow musically, personally and emotionally. We look forward to having your child take advantage of the opportunities and experiences that the Northwestern Band Program offers. Our band members are active in Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Winter Guard, and small ensembles. There are many opportunities to achieve and be successful! 

You and your students will have the opportunity and responsibility to support the financial requirements of our vast array of programs. Later on this spring detailed information will be presented as you plan for next year. It has always been the policy of the Northwestern Bands that money should never be a reason for non-participation. If you truly want to be a part of the Northwestern Purple Regiment, there is a place for you and your child. Opportunities will be provided for everyone to contribute and participate.  

In addition, those rising 9th grade parents and students who would like to start working events now to build trip accounts and band credit points can begin working at Knights baseball games. Our Booster Club operates a concession stand and offers band credits to those who work.

This is a GREAT WAY to pay for any and all band financial requirements! Simply contact Amanda Moore at 803-325-1234 or email: moore911@comporium.net. She will be glad to get you started!  

Enclosed you will find a copy of the summer and fall schedule for the 2008 Purple Regiment. I hope you will find this helpful as you and your child plan for next year. In addition, there is an event that we would like for you attend this spring.  

We look forward to having you as part of the Northwestern Bands next year!!! 

With warmest regards,

  

“There are countless ways of attaining greatness, but any road to reaching one’s maximum potential must be built on a bedrock of respect for the individual, a commitment to excellence, and a rejection of mediocrity.” - Rogers

   

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