Good evening,
I had the pleasure of seeing my first show at the Cultural Arts Center here in Carrollton this weekend. This Friday I went with my family to see our local production of Beauty and the Beast and was blown away by our local talent here in Carrollton! It warmed my heart to see so many Carrollton students in the production and specifically Carrollton band students of all different ages who were involved. Our very own Lexy Walter did a beautiful job. Her bio found in the program has been posted below.
As I smiled from ear to ear I realized that we have multiple students who have different talents in our band program this year. I have witnessed the athletic skills of many of our soccer players like Kanate Jordan Evir, James Noori, Hagan Russell, Nick Jenks, Jacob Easterwood, Jackson Moncayo, Justin Arnold, Gavin Ward, Mark Zimmer, and Jayro Lopez. We also had Lexy Walter and Anna Kate Ware compete in the cross country team this year with great success.
I watched with pride last month when two of our very own, Mark Zimmer and Connor Haley, competed in the system spelling bee and fought a tough battle, leaving with their heads held high.
I love nothing more than seeing students exploring and expanding their horizons. If your student participates in an activity and would like for me to come and watch them please contact me individually. I will try my hardest to see them in an activity other than our band program. I want for our students to try every avenue that they have access to at this time in their life and will always support them in their exploration here in Carrollton. Please know that we as the band directors support and even encourage students to participate in other activities and sports along with our band program. We easily workout any schedule conflicts, which are a rare occurrence in the younger ages since band occurs mainly during the school day and not after school. I am excited for our 6th graders to move on up to the Junior High School and continue their journey not only in band, but in up to four other connections during each school year! The importance of the arts and athletics here in Carrollton is something that I take a lot of pride in. If you have any questions about scheduling and connections at the Junior High school PLEASE contact me. Mr. Huls is extremely excited to work with your kids next year.
(5th graders are stuck with me for one more year… *insert evil laugh*)
We have our Spring Concert this Thursday at 7:00 PM. Although many meaningful memories have been made, I look forward to what will be performed on Thursday. When you hear the improvement in the bands you will be blown away. These kids work each and every day during their connection course to learn musical, mental, social, and human skills that will stay with them forever. Thank you for your help so far and I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday. Bring your camera and take lots of pictures because we will want to hold onto these memories for a long, long time.
I often use Sunday as a day of reflection for what I have and who I have in my life up to this point. Your students bring so much joy to my life not just in their musical abilities but in who they are. Seeing them thrive and flourish is what gives me hope for the future. They are selfless and unconditional with their love and I learn from them daily.
Thank you for adding so much joy into my life through your students. I am so thankful for them and for you.
Sincerely,
Ms. Menendez
CUES Trojan Band 