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Raven Band Members
and Parents:
To our returning
members, welcome back! To those of you new to the Raven Band family,
you are now part of one of the finest band programs in the nation! We
are also very proud
We will again
offer the Raven Pride Marching Band, two concert bands, two jazz
ensembles, a basketball band, jazz combos, and a host of other
opportunities for you to participate in
And of course,
this year we will represent the State of Kansas in the Pacific Life
Holiday Bowl, in San Diego, California on Tuesday, December 30. We will
also compete in the
Please take the time to read the handbook carefully. The calendar is complete as of August 1, 2008, but will include a number of additions as the year progresses.
We will handle the
vast majority of communication through electronic media. We will
communicate weekly or bi-weekly through our email network. And all
necessary and pertinent
As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call. My office hours are between 10:45 and 11:35 and again from 2:30-3:30. You can also reach me at home (856-9916).
Again, welcome to the Northwest Raven Band Program!
Ed Colson
Ed Colson
is beginning his thirty-fifth year as a band director, and his sixth
year as Director of Bands at Olathe Northwest. Mr. Colson began his
teaching career in 1973, as director of
Mr. Colson is a graduate of Baker University. He received his Master’s Degree from that same institution in 1988.
Mr. Colson served as KMEA District I
Junior High/Middle School Band Chairman from 1983-1991. During that
tenure, he developed the annual District I Junior High and Middle School
In 2001, Mr. Colson developed and implemented the John Philip Sousa Kansas Junior Honors Band, a group that reaches to every corner of the state.
Mr. Colson is the director of the Olathe Civic Band. Under his leadership, the band has grown from its 1999 size of 42 to its present strength of 110.
Mr. Colson received the National Band Association Award for Outstanding Jazz Education in 1994. His is listed in the 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2006 and 2007 editions of Who’s Who of American Teachers. He is also listed in the 2006 edition of Outstanding American Educators. In 1999, he was the first recipient of the Outstanding Middle Level Music Teacher Award for the Northeast District of Kansas, presented by the Kansas Music Educator’s Association. He was a USD 233 District finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year award
that same year. In November of 2001, Mr.
Colson was selected as the second Olathe Educator to receive the
Educator Excellence Award presented by the Olathe Public Schools
Foundation. 1984, only 132 music educators world-wide have received this honor. He is listed in both the 2008 editions of Strathmore’s Who’s Who of American Professionals and the Cambridge Who’s Who of American Professionals and Executives. In March of 2008, the Olathe News named Ed as 40th on their list of the 150 most notable people in the 150 year history of Olathe.
Ed is an avid golfer playing in several tournaments each year and is the assistant coach for the Northwest golf team.. He also enjoys working on his pride and joy, his 1974 Corvette.
Judy Colson is in her thirty-second year of teaching Band in Kansas. The past thirty years have been in the Olathe Schools. Prior to coming to Olathe, she taught for two years at Wellsville, Kansas.
Mrs. Colson came to Olathe in 1979 as director of bands at Santa Fe Trail Jr. High. In 1983 she was given the opportunity to open Pioneer Trail Junior High. Mrs. Colson has worked at a number of Olathe elementary schools including Westview, Central, Fairview, Countryside, Washington, Indian Creek, Northview, Meadow Lane, Manchester Park, Cedar Creek and Pleasant Ridge. She was the assistant director of bands at Olathe North High School in 2001 and 2002. In addition to her position as Associate Director of Bands at Northwest, Mrs. Colson’s elementary assignments for 2008-09 will include Manchester Park and Ravenwood.
Mrs. Colson served as the Secretary for the Northeast District of the Kansas Music Educators Association from 1980 to 1983.
In September of 2002, Mrs. Colson was awarded the Olathe Public Schools Foundation Educator Excellence Award. Mrs. Colson is included in the 2004 edition of Marquis Who’s Who of American Women publication as well as the Marquis Who’s Who in America. In 2003, she was selected as the Outstanding Elementary Level Teacher by the Kansas Music Educators Association. In the Spring of 2004, Mrs. Colson wrote a feature article for the Women Band Directors International Magazine. She is also listed in the 2006 and 2007 and 2008 editions of Who’s Who of American Teachers.
Mrs. Colson was a guest
conductor at the Inaugural Kansas Sousa Junior Honor Band Performance in
January, 2003. She conducted a composition written expressly for her
and her
Mrs. Colson grew up in south Kansas City. She attended Center schools and graduated from Center Senior High School. She received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Baker University.
She enjoys playing with the Olathe Civic Band. Her hobbies are gardening and playing with her granddaughter, Allie.
Northwest Band Guiding Principals
Be Respectful
Be Prepared
Marching Band is an important part of the band program at Olathe Northwest. More people will see us in one or two of our marching performances than will attend all of our concerts for the entire year! We will always strive for excellence in everything that we do!
We currently have twelve marching band performances scheduled. Please refer to the calendar section of the handbook for dates and times.
Beginning on Monday August 18, we will rehearse at 7:00 AM each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. You can expect the 7:00 AM rehearsals to continue through October 6, the date for the District Marching Festival. At that time, we will scale back early morning rehearsals and will only be on the marching field and parade block during the regular class period. Note that due to our trip to San Diego, there may be some additional 7:30 rehearsals scheduled.
It will be absolutely mandatory that you be on time for all rehearsals. Be on time is one of our guiding principles. Northwest has very specific tardy policy and we will be following it to the letter. Excessive tardies will also have a negative impact on your lettering points. During marching season, attendance will be taken on the marching field PROMPTLY at 7:00 AM and tardies will be assessed at that time.
Steve Riley will be returning as our drum line coach and percussion instructor. Steve is the director of percussion at Baker University and has written the percussion parts for our marching show. He has written and published percussion music. We are delighted to again have him as part of our staff.
John Kieffer will again be joining us as marching fundamentals and drill instructor. Mr. Kieffer is the former director at Olathe South High School and an outstanding teacher.
Dr. Martin Dunlap will return as our marching band drill writer. He is also on staff as a marching clinician. He is the retired director of the award winning Blue Valley High School Mustang Marching Band and is currently Director of Graduate Studies and Mid America Nazarene University.
So as you can see, we have assembled an outstanding staff. This year’s show is a tribute to Motown—Motown Showdown
Concert band will be a principle focus. However, this year due to our performances in San Diego, our marching band season will be extended. Chair auditions for concert band will take place prior to Christmas break. The audition materials will be excerpts from the State Honor Band Audition Materials. You should note that all concert band performances are required.
Class Offerings
Marching Band occupies first semester at Olathe Northwest for the 2008-09 School Year. Currently, we have 12 performances listed on the calendar. All band members are in marching band. We provide the entertainment for a wide variety of activities at Olathe Northwest. The marching uniform is provided.
The Symphonic Band will continue to meet during first period second semester. This is our non-audition performing concert band. All band members not in Raven Winds are a part of the Symphonic Band. The schedule for this band will include the State Large-Group Festival, the Area Band Festival, and our Spring Concert. The uniform for the Symphonic Band is provided. Please note that you will need to have black shoes. Men will also need black socks.
The Raven Winds is our audition-only concert band and will meet during second period for second semester. Their schedule will include the District Wind Ensemble Festival, the State Large-Group Festival, the Area Band Festival and our Spring Concert. The uniform for the Raven Winds is provided. Please note that you will need to have black shoes. Men will also need black socks.
Raven Jazz I This is a second semester audition-only band that will focus on advanced jazz fundamentals and concepts. We will demonstrate the proficiency of various styles through a wide variety of performances. Each band member will be required to learn improvisation skills and demonstrate them on a performance before the end of the year.
Rehearsals outside the school day will begin in October with class starting second semester. Each band member will be required to become proficient on his or her music in a short period of time. Extra practice will be a necessity.
This year, Raven Jazz I will perform in San Diego at a special jazz competition. As such, the number of 7:00 AM rehearsals will increase. Check the calendar for updates.
Raven Jazz I will perform at a minimum of two jazz festivals. Other performances may include concerts, Blues and Bar-B-Q, The Jazz Dance, civic functions and basketball games.
Extra clothing purchases will be required
Raven Jazz II This group will be both a performing group and a venue to improve your jazz skills. Through a variety of jazz literature, we will strive to explore and master a wide variety of jazz styles and articulations. A major focus for this class will be learning the art of improvisation.
This class will meet during first semester. A number of students who are unable to fit a jazz class into their schedules will be meeting with us to prepare for performances. As such one or two extra practices each week outside the school day will be required. Performances may include concerts, Blues and Bar-B-Q, The Jazz Dance, civic functions and basketball games.
District Honor Bands
All band members will be encouraged to audition for the KSHSAA District Festival Bands. These include two concert honor bands as well as one honor jazz ensemble. The auditions will take place on Saturday, November 8, at Baldwin High School in Baldwin City. The performances will be at the Northeastern District Mini-Convention on Saturday, December 6, at Blue Valley High School. Being a member of a District or All-State Band is an unforgettable experience. It attracts the attention of most Midwestern universities. Sometimes scholarships are offered using this as a major criterion. Getting our band members prepared for these auditions will be a major focus of our fall concert band program. You will be given the audition materials in early September. This is an excellent way to earn lettering points as you receive points for auditioning—regardless whether or not you make the honor bands. You are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity!
Solo and Ensemble Festivals ALL BAND MEMBERS are encouraged to participate in the annual KSHSAA Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival. Preparation for this event will begin second semester with the actual event taking place on April 4th. This is a voluntary activity but you will receive a number of points that apply toward your letter just by preparing and performing your solo and/or ensemble.
We will follow the policies outlined in the Olathe Northwest Student Handbook. No cell phone usage is permitted during class hours. You may use it between classes, at lunch, and before or after school. Phones used during class will be confiscated and sent to the office. They may be picked up at the end of the school day.
Personal musical devices (I-Pod, etc…) may be used before or after school, between classes, at lunch and during seminars (in the band room). They need to be put away prior to the start of class. Again, we will confiscate any devices that are used during class and send them to the office. They may be picked up at the end of the day.
THE ONW RAGIN’ RAVENS BASKETBALL BAND will begin rehearsing and performing in December. The band will number somewhere between 50 and 70 people. All band members who elect to participate in this group will receive a substantial number of lettering points. All rehearsals will take place prior to actual games. For those dates, a pizza dinner will be included. The basketball band will be an important part of the Northwest band program! In addition, you will receive the Ragin’ Ravens Basketball Band shirt.
Lettering
ALL BAND MEMBERS will have the opportunity to earn an Olathe Northwest Band Letter. The letters will be presented at the Spring Banquet. Points are accumulative. One hundred points are required to complete each step of the lettering process.
Step one: Presentation of letter & music lyre pin Step two: Presentation of two-year pin Step three: Presentation of three-year pin
The criteria for earning an ONW Band Letter are as follows:
Required points for completion of letter
Attendance at all concerts 50 Basketball Band 25 Jazz Combo 10 Prepare and perform a solo or ensemble 10 Receiving a I rating and performing at the State Festival 10 Auditioning for District Band 10 Making and performing in District Band 10 Making and performing in State Band 10 Volunteering: (Set-up crew, room maintenance, Music Library maintenance, etc…) 5 per event Attendance at a concert given by another Northwest band 5 Sectional Attendance up to 5 per event Playing the pit orchestra for musical 15 Workshop attendance 10 per day
Points will be deducted for:
Excessive tardies for marching rehearsals will result in a reduction of lettering points Unexcused absence from any performance 75
We will constantly be in need of parent volunteers. A winning band program is a partnership that is made up of staff, students and parents.
Band Boosters
Our Raven Pride Band Boosters will be our official support organization. It will be responsible for fundraising activities, band apparel, event sponsorship and operation, and all volunteer requirements. Our Board of Directors includes:
Tracy Stoppelmoor, president 397-6219 Michelle Thomason, secretary 829-5681 Chris Christenson, treasurer 768-0953 Shennon Bone, volunteer coordinator (bonezone@comcast.net) 780-5322 Scott Philipp, webmaster 829-9055 Mary Levitt (254-7572) and Betsy Argotsinger (829-9725), uniform management Rick Stoppelmoor (397-6219) and Matt King (829-5619), band dads coordinators Jennifer Cole, communication 829-1092 Candy King, special projects 829-5619
Our band dads are a critical part of the marching program. We need help with equipment, music, transportation, and a variety of other tasks. Lots of help in moving equipment is needed at marching events. Please get involved!
Our band moms will have a crucial role throughout the year. There are countless tasks ranging from uniform preparation, sewing, and check-out, half time snacks & water, to event decoration. Shenon will be our volunteer coordinator. Please make her job easier by volunteering as much as you can! (bonezone@comcast.net)
Please take the time to get involved. Being a part of a group like this one is a unique and rewarding experience. We need your help and support!
Percussionists
Here at Northwest, all percussionists will be required to have stick bags. Many of you already have all of the required equipment. It consists of:
2 pair of drum sticks (concert) 1 pair of tympani mallets (medium) 1 pair of yarn mallets 2 pair of bell/xylophone mallets (hard, soft) 1 stick bag 1 pr brushes/rattan sticks (jazz drummers only)
As you progress, you will most likely want to add additional sticks and mallets to this list. Please do not ask to borrow equipment from other percussionists. It is your responsibility to be prepared each and every day.
Grading Scale
You are assessed with the following Rubrik
Playing Proficiency: up to 200 points per quarter Attendance of Performances: 75 points per quarter. Note that points will be deducted for any performance which you do not attend. An excused absence will result in a 5-10 point deduction. An unexcused absence will result in as much as a 50 point deduction. Excused absences fall into the following categories: Illness Family Emergency Death of a Family Member Events prearranged with Mr. Colson which might include a 50th Wedding Anniversary, etc… Daily Points: 5 points per day are possible. Note that our Block Days are worth 10 points. Again, points will be deducted for the following reasons: Tardy: 3 points per day Missed Rehearsal: All points. Please note that these points are deducted regardless of the reason for the absence. Simply put, if you are not in class, you cannot participate. Points for days with excused absences can be made up by scheduling extra practice outside the school day. Lack of Preparation: up to all of the points for that day
Points are tallied for the entire quarter. The grading scale is as follows:
A: 90-100% B: 80-89% C: 70-79% D: 60-69% F: Below 60%
Fundraising
As all of you know, it takes a considerable amount
of money to operate a band program. Although the school district
provides a budget for the operation of our band program, it is simply
this year.
Funds generated from fundraising will be distributed in two ways:
General Operating Fund: This will include all expenses incurred in the daily operation of the program. Expenses covered in this category might include hiring of clinicians, snacks and drinks at athletic performances, receptions following concerts, pizza prior to pep band performances or other extra events, and a host of other things. Our Booster fund takes only 5-10 percent, well below the 25 percent average that band programs historically take.
Individual Student Accounts: This category will include money raised for trips, band banquet and all other fees incurred by individual band members. This money can be used for any fees connected with the band program.
The following criteria are applied to all proposed fundraising projects by the Band Boosters board of directors prior to approval. Note that we severely limit the number of times that we place your student in the position of asking for money.
· Does the product offer a good value?
· Is it reasonably priced?
· Can we expect to make a substantial amount of money with a reasonable amount of work?
We believe that we managed to meet the criteria in each of our projects the past three years, and we will continue to do so this year.
The funds earned by each band member are distributed as follows:
85+% directly in to each individual student’s account
Less than 11% into the general fund
Currently, we have only 3 fundraisers on the horizon. They include:
Entertainment Book Sale: August 1 (tentative) to August 29 (tentative) Flea Market Band Sale: September 26-27 (pending securing location) Blues and Bar-B-Q: February 7
Detailed information will follow on all three of these events.
As of 2006, our Band Boosters are now a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Our official name is the “Olathe Northwest Band Boosters Foundation”. This allows us to accept donations and matching grants from major corporations. Please note that if you company has a matching program, we can provide you with all necessary documentation. By United States tax law, all corporate matching funds must be deposited into the general fund. They cannot be allocated specifically for one students’ account.
Band Fees
The $120.00 band fees cover the basic costs of the band program. They are consistent with fees charged by all area high school band programs. The fees include:
· Marching band t-shirt · Duffle Bag · Marching band gloves · Marching shoes · Activity fee that is part of the band’s general fund
If you are a returning band member and have some of these items, the fees will be adjusted accordingly. A returning band member who has some all of his or her marching items from past years will have the fees adjusted accordingly.
Please note that all band members will also be required to have a pair of plain khaki shorts. A small logo is acceptable.
2008-09 CALENDAR OF EVENTS **note that there will be many events added as the year progresses.
July 25: Sophomore Orientation July 25-26: Drum Line Camp 8:00-4:00 each day July 28-August 1: Band Camp 8:00-1:00 each day August 1: Bowling Party to celebrate Band Camp 9:00 to 11:00 PM August 15: Sophomore Student/Parent Night 7:00 PM (all students) August 18: First Early Marching Rehearsal 7:00 AM September 4: Old Settlers Stand N’ Blow 7:00 PM September 5: Home FB vs. Olathe South September 6: Old Settlers Day Parade; 10:00 AM Kick-off Luncheon Following Parade September 25: Homecoming FB vs Shawnee Mission West October 3: Home Football vs Olathe East (Jr. High Night) October 6: District Marching Festival; 7:00 PM; ODAC October 10: Home FB vs Shawnee Mission NW (Homecoming) October 24: Home FB vs Leavenworth November 8: District Honor Band Auditions; Baldwin HS November 21: Baker University Jazz Festival (Jazz II) December 6: KSHSAA NE District Mini Convention; Blue Valley HS December 9: Holiday Bowl Preview Concert; 7:00 PM December 27-31: Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Trip & Big Bay Balloon Parade; San Diego January 9-10: KMEA All State Auditions; Salina February 7: Blues & BBQ; 6:30-11:00 PM February 14: MANU Jazz Festival March 6: PSU Jazz Festival April 4: Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival April 15: KSHAA Large Group Band Festival April 25: KSHAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival April 26: (Sunday): Spring Concert; 3:00 PM May 1: Jazz Dance; 7:00-10:30 May 13: Band Banquet; 6:30 PM May 17: Commencement
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