We play and sing like champions

Chouteau Schools Fine Arts Department

The Musical Times

The Chouteau High School Fine Arts Department has been blessed to receive new students for the ‘09-’10 school year.  As a result of the new additions, the band size has grown to a total of 32. 

Leading the band of returnees are seniors Misti Lunn, kati Schooley, and Shawn Hutson all of whom play marching snare for the football season.  Misti and kati normally play flute and clarinet. Returning as juniors are Crystal Peace and Robyn Ruffin who play tenor and alto saxophones.  Samantha Daniels, who normally plays clarinet is head of the bass drum section during marching season.  The largest group are the freshmen.  Leading this great pack of musicians are Carra Wilson-trumpet, Rebecca Hagar—saxophone, James Tillman-trumpet, Skylier Demerick-Percussion and Patrick Nelson-percussion.  Returning to the band after a one year absence is sophomore Michaela Nixon.  New Students are 8th grader Talon Lang-saxophone, 9th graders, Dakota Sirmons-saxophone, and Sara Long-percussion.  Middle school band members who are marching with the high school are 7th graders, Ricky Wilson-French Horn, Lucas Jones-percussion, John Ellis-trombone, Bailey Sullivan-percussion, Brenda Todd-trumpet, Zack Martin-percussion and flute, and Austin Tinkey-saxophone.  New band member Brittany Graves-percussion, will be joining middle school percussionists Logan marsh-Shannon Demerick.  Beginner band students Meagan Boydston-saxophone, and Zack Rose-trombone will be joining Jeff Jackson-trombone.  This summer, we were able to purchase a brand new drumline.  Four marching snares, three tuned based drums and two sets of quads.  Thank you Dr. Horn and board.

Well folks, its fun-time.  I mean “fundraising time”.  That’s right, the booster club will be sponsoring several fundraisers this year so the music department can have the funds they need to support their efforts.  Robin and Lynn Ruffin , Presidents of the booster club, will be needing some help in organizing each event.  Fall football always brings concession stand fun for the home games.  In October will be a pie auction to help defray expenses occurred during preparation for the musical.  If you would like to get involved, contact the school and ask for Mr. Hutchinson.  Thank you for your support the last few years.

I am trying to raise the standards and expectations for each band member because they are champions and need to think, play and march like champions.  Those students who are marching at home gameswith the high school band are expected to be in the band room between 3:30 4:15.  to practice on the field before the game.

I expect the middle school students who have an instrument to

“raising standards is okay.  These students can reach them.  They are made to do so.”

play to participate in the stands even though they may not be marching during the home game.  The students are expected to travel to the away games according to the schedule.  They will need $5 to $10 for the concession stand if they need to eat supper while we are there.  We traditionally don’t stop on the way back to Chouteau.  If this is a problem please, please communicate with me before the scheduled trip to the game.  Each Friday I will tell the students what time to arrive and what to wear.

Greetings, parents and grandparents.  I am looking forward to a new year with your children.  I am  starting my fourth year as band director and my second year as choir director.  As a teacher, I really appreciate the changes that have been made this year throughout the whole school.  I think Dr. Horn has done a tremendous job in raising the academic standards and expectations for teachers and students.  I look forward to our new building.  We desparately need a new facility.  I want to thank the school

Board for purchasing our band a new set of marching percussion equipment.  By the time you receive this newsletter we will have used the drums on the field several times.  With this new equipment, the students have developed a proud attitude toward the band.  I have even noticed it with the non-band students throughout the school.  Our numbers are growing.  I have noticed a greater respect for teachers from the students.  I believe that if you show respect toward students, then they will in time respect you as they learn to trust you.  I care about the students and pray for all of them regularly.  I am proud to be a part of this community.. 

By the way, my family is growing.  I now have two granddaughters and another on the way.  If you ever need to get in touch with me about any issue please call 918-476-8336 ext. 122.  My cell number is 918-607-3321. 

Several of our choir students are very active in Ag and I think it is great.  One of our new choir members plays football and will be graduation.  A couple of the students participate in a horse riding organization which is just great.  From time to timeeither one student or several will be singing the National Anthem at the football games.  There are other organizations that these students and others are involved with.  We have a very talented group of students. 

The choir will be ordering choir shirts which will cost $13.40.   they need to bring that as soon as possible.  All-district auditions are October 3rd.  Sara Day will be participating in that.  Circle The State With Song will involve several of our M.S. singers.

Senior choir member Laura Deason is the daughter of  _______________________ .  Laura has been a choir member since _____   grade. She has participated in the OSSAA solo and ensemble competitions and received_____________ awards for her efforts.  Laura has been involved in the school musicals the past   _______ years. Besides choir, Laura really enjoys  ______________________ ___________________________________

________________________________ Her favorite part about choir has been ___________________________________

_________________

__________________

_________________.

“Laura is always attentive when singing but she sure likes to check that cell phone out when she thinks I’m not looking”, says Mr. Hutchinson.  Mr. Hutch goes on to say, After this year the Ag/choir dudes will be gone and will be sorely missed.  I love working with the choir and Laura is one of the many that make choir enjoyable.  We really are going to miss her talent, fun and energy”.  Thank you Laura.

Each issue will have one or two seniors spotlighted.  If you know them, tell them you read this article.

Last years graduation, scheduling and new elective choices have forced a big change in choir personnel.  Returning to choir this year as seniors are Laura Deason, Jacob Moore, Jessica Jones and Sara Day.  They will be joined by two other seniors Chris Ingram and Jamie Carter, who are  new to choir this year.  Returning underclassmen are Morgan Henry, Drew Richel, Bailey Richel, Melinda Noyes.  New to the ensemble are Brandy Noyes, Savanna Swift, Macy James, Gary Bond, Daniel Alton, Lee Harrison, Cierra Moore, Teva Armstrong, Sara Frederick, Ashly Tonge, Alana Osborn and Hannah Cleveland.  Eighth grader, Cheyenne Morgan is filling the shoes of her sister, Whitney Morgan, who graduated last year.  Mr. Hutchinson says this year’s effort will be to do well at contests as soloists and ensembles and grow as choral singers.  Yes we have some inexperience, but by the end of the year you won’t notice it. 

Our middle school singers are Ricki Martin, Tori Harrison, Samantha Benson, Shkayla Moore, Samantha James, Hailey Hughes, Karissa Aubrey, Rachel Weatherman, Michael Daniels, Lucas Negelein, Taylor Troyer, Candice Powell, Brittany Graves,  Alexis Mike, and Kendra Shelton.   The school has been blessed with very good middle school singers.  They are the future high school choir. 

Senior band member Misti Lunn is the daughter of _______________________

_____________________.  She has been a band member since ____  grade.  While enjoying playing flute with the group, she has participated playing at  competitions such as the OSSAA district solo and ensemble competition and Tri-state competition.  Misti’s other interests include ____________
____________________________
____________________________.

“My favorite part about band is………………………..  _____-

___________________________.

Misti went on to say, “My future plans are ____________

___________________________

_____________________.  Mr. Hutchinson has really enjoyed teaching Misti  and having her leadership in band.  “I have seen her grow as a person as well as a musician.  The band is really going to miss her leadership, talent and friendship.”   Thank You Misti. 

The Chouteau Fine Arts Department’s purpose is to train students to be good musicians.  To develop an 

appreciation for  music of all styles.  To prepare them to be good singers and players in there adult life so that they can pass their talents on to their children. 

Chouteau Schools Fine Arts Department

We are adding drama to our efforts by preparing a drama production in the spring.  We will be doing a Sherlock Holms comedy mystery.  This will allow students from the school to participate even though they may not be in either the band or choir.

Each school year offers you many opportunities to hear music from students who are working hard to grow as musicians.  This year will be no different.  This year will provide you a musical , “Phantom of the Op’ry”, “the adventures of Sherlock Holmes”, choir concerts,


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