First competition quickly approaching!

With just a few reherasals left before our first competition, anticipation
is building in preparation for the start to our competitive season.  Please utilize the website for most of your logistical questions, particularly surrounding the schedule for each competition day.  The schedule for the 10/15 show at Chabot College is set and will be posted on the website next week.  As a sneak preview for planning purposes: Amador performs at 8:12 pm with the entire competition beginning at 5:00. Looking forward to seeing the "Sea of Purple" in the stands cheering on the Marching Dons as well as each group on the field that evening.

A couple of calendar highlights
There is no practice on 10/8.  Also note that there is a practice
scheduled for Friday 10/14 from 3:30-6:30.

Thank you!
The list is too long to mention each name, but a belated thank you to all who helped with the BBQ on September 17.  Seems a literal army was fed!  Special thanks to Miriam Ivey, Lorry Epps and Jereen Gilbert for their efforts in organizing the day.

Thanks also to the crew of parents who helped with the construction of the props as well as the sewing of the sleeves for the props.  They look fantastic!

A final thought...
Many of you received and read the note that came to you last week from the AFM board regarding the current status of donations and funding for the program.  These are challenging times for some in very personal ways and challenging for organizations, also, as we struggle to navigate the quickly-changing landscape of how we support and fund our successful programs. 

I only wanted to share my belief that the music families have, over the past decade, consistently come through to make sure the music programs at Amador are able to thrive; I believe this year will be no different.  Thank you for giving your time, resources and energy towards keeping our amazing ensembles functioning at the highest levels.  What exists at Amador Valley is not the norm at most schools in the county, state or even country.  It is something we can and should take great pride in and be grateful for the access and opportunity your donations provide for the students.

No one person can make it all happen...what is the expression?  It takes a village to raise a child?  I am honored to be a part of this village with each family in AFM.

Band-Aid is a philanthropic project organized by the Band Council, dedicated to extending support from Amador's band to another in need. Our first year, we donated musical supplies to Moos Elementary in Chicago, doubling the number of music students who were previously excluded from their program due to a lack of resources. This year, the Band Council wants to help Joplin High School in Missouri recover from a catastrophic tornado that hit this past May, devastating their resources and displacing over 62% of their student body. 

If you have a student new to Wind Ensemble I, Wind Ensemble II, or is an existing member who would like to swap out a size,  we have several 'like new' uniform pieces for both men and women. These items were generously donated by outgoing seniors and are available at no charge.