Sixteen Oak Grove High School Band members traveled to Grain Valley last Saturday to participate in this year's MRVC All-Conference Band. Oak Grove students who participated in the honor band were - Chelsea Jackson, Amanda Bogacz, Seqouia Masten, Marissa Nebgen, Alyssa Groseclose, Chelsea Stinnett, Aubrie Rainbolt, Barbie McMullen, Jeremey Lappert, Collin Lappert, Morgan Miron, Trevor Dunn, Tanner Pinkerton, TJ Wittman, Jacob Teasley and Jacob Engelhard. Members are chosen among the twelve schools that comprise both the east and west divisions of the Missouri River Valley Conference through a director selection process. Once students are selected and a full instrumentation is achieved, the conference band students then audition for chair placement, which is hosted each year within the classrooms of the Oak Grove high school. Not only was Oak Grove the highest represented school among Carrollton(3), Excelsior Springs(9), Grain Valley(11), Harrisonville(5), Holden(14), Knob Noster(11), Lafayette County(7), Lexington(2), Odessa(5), Pleasant Hill(11) and Richmond(8), but they also held the highest number of first chair positions. Placing first chair were Jeremey Lappert on alto saxophone, Collin Lappert on trumpet, Trevor Dunn on euphonium, TJ Wittman on tuba and Jacob Teasley within the percussion section. The guest conductor for the event was retired Blue Springs band director and composer Kent Rausch. Mr. Rausch worked the students from 8:30 AM until the concert start time of 5:00. His program included 'Spontaneous Combustion', 'Hennepin County Dawn', 'National Emblem March' and an original composition of his own titled 'Flights of Passage'. Mr. Rausch explained to the students and audience members how 'Flights of Passage' was his way of telling the stories of six World War II veterans that he had the opportunity to interview years ago. After rehearsing all day, Saturday night's concert was a culmination of the students' hard work. "The best part was getting to be with so many talented musicians around our area and making great music!" stated Trevor Dunn, euphonium player.

The Oak Grove High School gymnasium was beyond capacity Tuesday, February 28th with an estimated crowd of over 1,200 audience members as parents, families and friends of the band program listened in awe to the music performed at the seventh annual 'Showcase of Bands' concert.

The 'Showcase of Bands' is an annual event that has become the favorite concert of the year for students and audience members alike. Beth Jinkins, director, states, "In many ways, this concert culminates the learning of all the students and allows them to make connections within the program." There were seven different bands performing at the showcase, where an audience member can watch and listen to all grade levels in one short evening. A member of each group gave a short introduction between segments which allowed students the opportunity to educate the audience about their band and the songs being played. Announcers for the evening were Mason Brandt and Ariana Coram for sixth grade, Katie Kim for jv jazz band, Cordelia Minnis for seventh grade, Jacob Goessling for eighth grade, Tyler O'Neill for varsity jazz, Tyler Morris for concert band and Shelby Drury for the symphonic band. Total membership among all bands is 385 students!

"The coolest aspect of this concert for me is always the increased enthusiasm about the program both within the district as well as among the community of Oak Grove." Director Nathan Long stated. These students prepared daily leading up to the concert with additional help from UCM student teacher, Austin Thomas who debuted as director for the sixth grade band. "I was proud at how well the sixth graders performed and at how well they behaved while listening to all groups play after them!" Thomas said. For the third year in a row, audience members were treated to an enhanced program that was on sale prior to the concerts start. The enhanced program is designed each year with special care by local business S & S Printing. With the help of Blue Springs instrument store Meyer Music and a healthy discount from S & S, the band program is able to use this program sale as a fundraiser. The program prints every student's name within their band, holds photos taken during rehearsals and even has a forward written from both the middle school and high school administrators. "The programs have become a tradition here in Oak Grove with many parents stating how they are excellent keepsakes for their child. I can't express enough how thankful we are to our parents who continue to support the bands through this purchase." Commented Jinkins.

As the last lush sounds of the symphonic band rang in the air of the high school gymnasium, all student performers kicked into gear in a group effort to clear the floor of stands, chairs, instruments and even every folding chair that the Oak Grove school district owns. Band students seem to know instinctively that there's so much more work that goes into an awesome evening of performances. As the gym floor cleared and directors were talking with proud parents and grandparents, two siblings remained sorting chairs in the band room. When asked why they hadn't left yet, sisters Elisabeth and Hannah Dahlor both said "We just wanted to make sure everything was put back in place for you and Mrs. J. Besides, everyone knows that you can't get into any local restaurant after a band concert!"

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