"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under
heaven..."
Dear Friends in the Boosters,
For the last four years of our lives at the Rishel household, the names of
the seasons have not been spring or fall but marching, concert, indoor,
football, competition, ad sales, fundraising, band camp, and a few more.
I thank God for this time-
- for the tears and the laughter (plenty of both)
- the mourning and the dancing (few losses and
many victories, shared grief and celebrated joy)
- the embracing and the restraining (many hugs and
occasional pda restraint)
- the searching and the losing, (searching for
shoes and socks, left behind music, Tim's lost uniform, searching for LaToya,
losing John... the list is endless)
- the keeping and the casting away (unless it is
the band hall--nothing is cast away!)
- the rending and the sewing (lots of hearts and
dreams torn apart at times but Grace, Debbie, Frieda, Mary, Sharon
and Candace did most of the sewing)
- the silence and the speaking (less of the first,
more of the second)
- the loving and the hating (
abundance of
the former, very little of the latter)
and I do believe that it has been a purpose of heaven.
Thank you to ALL the boosters for making this such a terrific year to add to
the collection. The band program has made many dreams come true because of
the work of so many of you as well as the determination of the students: the
direction of Mr. Caviness, Mr. Brown, and their assistants; and the
generosity of Mrs. Whiten, Ms. Hamilton and the administration of the
district.
The most recent seasons closed with success for both the Long Beach Indoor
Percussion Theater and the Concert Band. The Indoor group made a great trip
to Dayton and finished their season 15th in the world for scholastic A
drumlines. They also brought honor to the school and the community with
their exemplary behavior and cameraderie. Additionally, the Concert Band
achieved Excellent ratings at the state concert competition in Pearl. Their
performance again proved the importance of quality over quantity and also
brought unsolicited accolades for their conduct and caring for each other.
These groups may not be the biggest or best funded in their competitions but
they bring the most heart and character.
Additionally, the band students have been excelling academically this
year. Thirteen band students were recognized for ranking in the top of their
classes. The junior class was the best represented with 7 of the top 25
students belonging to the band program. Also, our own Afaaf Shakir
was awarded Hall of Fame and Star student for the district. Afaaf (2008
salutatorian) selected Mr. Caviness as the star teacher for the district and
offered a tremendous tribute for his contributions to her success.
Congratulations to Afaaf and Mr. Caviness. We are proud of you both.
The band council is also in the thick of planning the annual band banquet.
It will be held Friday, May 9 @ 6:30 PM in the Family Life Center at First
United Methodist Church in Long Beach. This annual event is for all band
students and their parents and siblings and always proves to be one of the
highlights of the year as the seasons are reviewed, awards and letters
given, seniors honored, and fellowship shared. Students participating in
any of the band programs attend at no cost to them. Families are invited at
$10 per adult and $5 per non-band student. The theme for this year's banquet
is "Roaring Twenties Jazz Club" and the dress is "Sunday-go-to -meeting" or
20s Flapper. The dinner will be catered by the Brewers of "Fat Willie's
Deli" and should be delicious.Reservations can be made by calling (596-8504)
or emailing me at
rdrishel@aol.com or depositing ticket money in the box in the band
hall. Please come-- you won't want to miss it!
The Boosters have not been idle in this season either. Many thanks to the
chaperones and donors who made the indoor trips possible. While the list of
all those who contributed funds, snacks, time, fuel, and efforts to provide
for the trip is long, special thanks are extended to Frieda Woodcock for
managing all the food on the Dayton trip and Pete Moore for transporting the
BIG trailer and all the equipment. Their efforts were extraordinary and,
particularly with Pete, offered under difficult circumstances. We are deeply
grateful for what you and everyone did for our children. (Pete, our prayers
continue for you and your family in the loss of your mother.)
Boosters have also been helping prepare for next year's seasons. Beth
Cuevas has agreed to head up the production of the fundraising football
program. Julie Hatch has agreed to manage the concession stand again. Mike
Young will continue to wizard the web site. Christina Edwards has agreed to
organize Senior Night as well as the work with the council on the banquet.
Norma McCaleb has the finances in terrific shape to begin fundraising
for next year. And, several individuals have accepted nominations for
offices in the Boosters 2008-2009.
Therefore---We need everyone to attend the meeting this Thursday at
6:30 PM in the band hall and participate in the elections.
Your input is vital. Nominations will be accepted from the floor or can be
forwarded to me or Debbie Ruby. We will also be discussing details on the
banquet, recruitment of the new freshmen and their parents, the Barnes and
Nobles Fundraiser beginning this weekend and more... Please come help make
these important decisions as we draw this season to a close and welcome the
new.
Again, many thanks to all the boosters for a great year and, for all the
senior parents, a great season of our lives. May God bless all your
purposes and all your times as you have blessed mine.
Grace always,
Dorothy Dickson-Rishel
Soon-to-be former Boosters' President and new mother of an Ole Miss Rebel
"He has made everything beautiful in his time..It is the gift
of God... Whatsoever God does, it shall be forever..."
Ecclesiastes 3