Sunday, January 24, 2016

Music for All

Dear parents and students,
     Usually I save these kinds of announcements for class, but because of the time sensitive nature of it I wanted to post it right away.  (It's due January 31st.)  Music for All is a national organization that provides opportunities for music students who want to go above and beyond the high school experience.  In this case their marching band has been invited to perform at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.  My younger sister marched in the Rose Parade her junior year and she tells me it was the highlight of her high school experience.  The students will have an unforgettable time and come back much better marchers and musicians.  In case you were wondering, yes, it is expensive.  (Brochure: 2nd page.)  I was surprised: I thought it would be more.  And it will be worth every penny.  For those interested, here's the information.


P.S.  Guard is DEFINITELY included in this!

I hope someone has the time and means to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

Miss Johnson

Monday, January 18, 2016

Humble Leadership

The world in which we live is fiercely competitive—some would even say ruthless. The pressure to succeed, to get ahead, leads many to be aggressive, dominating, overpowering. And succeed they often do—in a sense. But there’s a different, even a better way to live and to succeed. It is, in a word, humility.

Of course, humility is not a new idea, but it is getting renewed attention in—of all places—the hard-hitting business world. Recently several large, successful corporations have begun to prize humble leaders over the brash, overbearing kind. Humble leaders, they’ve found, “listen well, admit mistakes, and share the limelight.”1 They have helping hearts; they encourage teamwork and promote collaboration. They see themselves not as kings who issue orders but as coworkers in a worthwhile endeavor. Humble leaders see themselves authentically, with both strengths and weaknesses, and they recognize that leading others and serving them are not mutually exclusive efforts. One can be visionary and relentless, with the mind of a leader, and still be humble and teachable, with the heart of a servant. 

Company executives are finding that when they hire leaders who are humble and eager to improve, the entire company benefits. A culture of humility and cooperation spreads throughout the workforce, bringing out the best in everyone.

But the humility must be sincere. In some ways, false modesty is worse than bold-faced arrogance because it is deceptive. By contrast, genuine humility comes from seeing things as they really are—recognizing that no one is superior to another, that we are each learning and growing as we go along. Some may be more gifted or talented, some may have had greater opportunities and more doors opened to them, but all have something to offer. All are worthy of dignity and respect. 

If this attitude can improve the corporate world, think about what it could do for our interactions in our homes and communities. Imagine what might happen if we listened a little better, admitted our errors, and stopped worrying about who gets credit. Humility just may be the key that unlocks the door to improved relations, stronger organizations, and happier lives. 

-Lloyd D. Newell

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Upcoming Meetings

There are a couple of meetings to be aware of in the next week and they are all on January 14th:


  • Color Guard parent meeting:  7:00 p.m. either in the band room or choir room.  This meeting will go over competitions and state championships.
  • Winter Drum Line parent meeting:  7:00 p.m. either in the band room or choir room.  This meeting will be an overview of the season along with payment schedule.
  • Booster meeting:  immediately following the other meetings (around 8:30 p.m.).  At this meeting, we will be discussing the Jazz Band Dinner Dance.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Spring Tour

Dear parents,
    As most of you know members of our Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, and Percussion Ensemble will be going to Arizona during Spring Break.  After reviewing the trip I've managed to finalize most of the details and get the costs down.  The good news is the trip cost will be no more than $400.  The bad news is that we are not going as of now because we are at least one chaperon short.  We are required to have five and we only have four.  I would STRONGLY prefer it if we could have at least three more come as it will lower costs and allow the chaperoned groups to be smaller.  I need to have these chaperons secured by the end of next week at the latest or I will be forced to cancel the trip.  The dates are: the afternoon of March 23rd to the wee hours of the morning between March 28th and March 29th. You will enjoy the trip and you'll learn something, also.  In addition - you'll be spending time with your son/daughter doing lots of fun activities!   Please let me know (preferably via e-mail: jerusha.johnson@jordandistrict.org) at your earliest possible convenience if you are willing to commit to tag along with a bunch of the best kids in the world around sunny Arizona.  

Thank you for all you do!
Miss Johnson