Last night I had the opportunity to watch and listen to the annual Music Department Holiday Concert at Christ Chapel.  The vocal and string departments "put on a show".  I marveled at the sensitivity and musicianship of the students and directors.  I was moved by the music and the way in which it was performed.  I think that it might be a bit more of an amazing experience for me because I see these kids in their everyday lives.  I see them in the hall and the cafeteria and gym and driving by in their cars.  I wonder how they make this change from high school student to sensitive performer.  I know that this happens because the students and directors love what they are doing and they are dedicated to performing at their highest level.

These situations always lead me back to my original statement - It is an absolute blessing and privilage to be a part of the music department at MOC-Floyd Valley Community School District.  I know that this is a very special and unique situation and I honor every day that I'm allowed to be a part of it.

Thank you to Pam Anderson, Laura Haverdink and all of the students that participated in the concert. 

It was a truly wonderful day for the Pride of the Dutchmen Band.  A beautiful day was complimented by two beautiful performances by the band.  The awards were nice - but it was the great evening Finals performance that was the highlight of the day.  The members of the POD really reached a new level of performance.  A great week of rehearsals set the stage for a great day.

We are looking forward to another great day of competition at Sioux Falls.  We hope to see all of you there - WE NEED THE SUPPORT!

The 2011 competition marching season started with a cheer on Saturday with our performance at the Pursuit of Excellence in Marshall, Minnesota. 

We had only two goals for the day-

1. Have a great show.  We needed to go out and perform at the level that this show needs to be effective.

2. Have a fun day.

Both goals were reached!  The band members all felt that they performed at their highest level of the year.  It was an outstanding show in a great venue.  I think that the stadium in Marshall is the best one that we perform in every year.  The sound is incredible and the audience is the best.  Period.  2000 fans that are knowledgable and into marching band.  It really is something to see everyone jump to their feet at the end of a performance and show their appreciation for the efforts that the students have put into creating 9 minutes of music and motion.  I know that every student was really excited when they left the field.  It is amazing to be around them at those moments.

The members of the POD had a great day.  The rehearsal/clinic was the best that we have enjoyed, the chaperons were great, the food was delicious and the hospitality left everyone with a feeling of warmth.  A special thank you needs to go out to Courtney Schiebout and Scott DeKock for driving the trailers up and back.  It was a long day of work for both of them.

Finally, for those of you who are wondering where we placed in the competiton, we placed fourth.  I NEVER  go to Marshall with any thoughts of winning any trophies.  Period.  We go up against MUCH larger schools with completly different program setups and priorities.  It is NOT in the realm of possibility to compete head to head against the Rosemounts, Lincolns, and  Irondales of the world and finish any higher than we have.  We have a small school program that exceeds beyond it's boundaries and that is enough.  We march on the same field and do well against and with all of them - but we will not finish ahead of them.  That is a fact.  I will not change our program to even try to compete against them.  We do what we do well and that is enough.  We went to Marshall to "have a great show" and we more than accomplished that.

Now it's on to Sioux City and a chance to perform beyond our expectations two more times.  See you there.