I'm sending you this notice so you can plan ahead for a very special invitational performance next summer.  I was recently elected to the office of President-Elect for the American School Band Directors Association.  We have about 1100 members across the U.S.  I have been asked to put together a concert band to be featured at the opening concert of the 2006 ASBDA National Convention, at The Sheraton Hotel, in Colorado Springs, on June 28, 2006.  My plan is to put together another wind symphony, like the one we had for the 2005 NY trip.  It would be open to everyone, however, not just marching band musicians.  We will only take Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band members who are musicians in those bands during Spring, 2006, or who successfully audition to be in either of those groups for Fall, 2006. Graduating seniors will also be invited to participate next summer.  I¹m going to try and make a fun, 2 day trip for this event.  It may include charter bus transfers, 1 night stay at The Sheraton in quads, a trip up the Mt. Manitou Incline, pizza party at Fargo¹s ­ stuff like that.  So, plan on reserving the June dates of 6/15 through 6/29.  Our Marching Band Camp runs through June 14th next year, and we would start rehearsals on June 15th. We¹ll probably restrict the rehearsals to evenings, only, so you can have your days free.

This is a totally optional band for everyone, but we encourage as many of you as possible to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!  Very few high school bands get to play at a national convention ­ the challenge of course, is that it takes place at the end of June.  We¹ll have commitment forms for you and your parent to sign, after school starts up again next month.  The cost of the 2 day trip will be determined at that time.  I really want to run it by ABB, the Executive Council, and Mr. Booth, in August, so we can set up something firm for all involved.

Congratulations again everyone!  Hope you can join us in June, 2006!!

Dr. C.