It has been another successful year for the South-area band program. The Marching Band, qualifying for state for the 10th year in a row, earned its 6th State Superior Rating. The Wind Symphony earned straight Superior Ratings at District Contest, qualifying for state for the 13th time in the past 14 years. The Symphonic Band, entering contest for the first time since 1983 earned a well-deserved excellent rating of II. The Jazz Ensemble earned a Superior Rating at the Lakeland Jazz Festival, and the Willoughby Middle Symphonic Band earned Straight Superior Ratings at the OMEA Middle School Large Group Contest. This would indicate that across the program, the students are learning and performing at an excellent level. I couldn't be more pleased with the results and the hard work that resulted in such outstanding performances.

Once again this year, through the help of the School Board and the Band Boosters, we have been able to upgrade our instrument inventory. This year we were able to add a couple of Oboes and Bassoons. We were also able to modify equipment for outdoor use in the marching band pit. Another huge addition this year was the equipment truck. Donated by Tom Roseum and modified by the band boosters for our use, the truck has made traveling much easier, and made the possibility of a pit for the marching band a reality. We have also been able to purchase a new drum-line for the marching band for the fall. Dr. Miller has already informed me that we will have additional money for next year. A total of roughly $60,000 will be spent on the band program across the district. We will be spending roughly $15,000 on a professional Baritone Saxophone, 2 professional Euphoniums and a set of mouthpieces, along with money for music and instrument repairs. When I first started teaching at South, our inventory was abysmal. While not perfect, our inventory now is very good and enables us to do almost everything we need to do to equip our students with quality instruments. I would like to thank Dr. Miller and the Board of Education for their support.

Looking ahead to next year, the marching band will have an exciting year. As part of our usual busy schedule of parades, festivals, competitions, and football games, the group will be performing at the "horseshoe", Ohio Stadium, on the OSU campus for a competition. We will be welcoming a new color guard advisor, Brandy Viol. She comes to us highly recommend by Christin, who is pursuing a full time job. I am hopeful that both concert bands at the high school will be able to continue to perform at contest once again. I would also like to welcome Lauren Keesecker to the band director ranks; she will become the band director at Grant School next fall.

As always, I must recognize the work of our outstanding Band Boosters organization. While hard work, preparation and practice are necessary requirements for a successful band program, we could not do it without the funds that the Band Boosters raise or the non-financial support that they so willingly provide. They are there, ALL THE TIME, for EVERYTHING WE NEED. We could not be more appreciative for all that the Band Boosters do to help make our success possible. I would also like to say thank you to outgoing President Dave Urbanek. His work as President has helped this organization continue its legacy of superior support for the South Bands. Each of the Presidents has, in my tenure, left the organization with something that has helped improve the organization for the future. The initial incarnation of our Reverse Raffle proved to be a tremendous success, and will continue to provide assistance for the bands. It does not require the students to sell stuff, and was a lot of fun. I look forward to working with incoming President, Kathy Tyrrell.

As many of you know, the Marching Band recently returned from a 4 day trip to Chicago. For those of you who were not there, you would have been proud of how well our students carried themselves on the trip. I have said for years that I will continue to do these trips as long as I can rely upon the students to make the correct decisions. You can rest assured that we have an exceptional group of students. Housekeeping at the hotel asked us to stay longer. Yes, HOUSEKEEPING asked 100 teenagers to stay longer! Everywhere we went, there were nothing but compliments on how well-behaved the students were (bus drivers, tour guide, Six Flags staff, Hotel staff, just to name a few). I would like to thank the chaperones who did an outstanding job taking care of the kids. Without you, the trip just would not have been possible. I would also like to commend the marching band for their demeanor on the trip, and the tough performance the next morning at Memorial Day. The performance, despite the fatigue and heat, was very nicely done. Please check the band web-site for pictures and videos from the trip. I am already looking forward to Orlando in 2009.

We have been offered a unique opportunity to raise a boat-load of money. For the first time in its history, the Lake County Fair will be selling beer. They needed a 501C3 organization to help them out and they invited us. We have received permission to do this, which is similar to the organizations that work at Jacob's Field, Browns Stadium, and at Captain's games. The fair has demonstrated to us that they have truly done their homework and I was most impressed with their presentation. Based upon estimates, it appears that we could raise as much as $20,000-$30,000 doing this. All we need to do is staff the event. If you would be interested in participating, please send me an e-mail at South (fred.primavera@weschools.org) and I will get your name to Sue Roseum, who is scheduling the event.

I would like to express my appreciation for the work that the students put forth this very successful school year. To the seniors, I wish you the best of luck as you move on, and hope to hear from you in the future. Thanks for four great years