She's with the band

EDITOR:

This is a thank-you to my grandson for inviting his "Old Granny" to the Douglas High School band Christmas concert. If you missed it, you missed an evening of professional music played and sung by dedicated young men and women of the music department. So much is made of the sports programs at the high school, with articles and pictures every week. There is even one sponsor that has the "athlete of the week."

That is all well and good, as it gives recognition for their efforts and accomplishments, as it should be. But, all sports programs are seasonal. The high school band goes the entire school year. Did you know that those young people have to be up by 5:30 a.m. and at school by 6:40 a.m.?

They practice all week and sometimes on Saturdays, and sometimes after school until 5 p.m., rain or shine. They learn to march and play their instruments at the same time, no easy task. They learn to read music and have to memorize all their songs for the season. Again, no easy task. Not many athletes could stick with that program. It takes dedication and desire, and, of course a great deal of discipline. Most sports don't last into adulthood. Music lasts a lifetime.

I am so proud of our Douglas High School band, concert choir, Madrigals, and the "Jazz Cats" jazz band. The concert Dec. 17 was outstanding and all your hard work showed with every piece that you played and sang. Grandma thoroughly enjoyed rocking and clapping to the Jazz Cats' renditions of "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." Thanks to you all for making my evening fun.

Please do not miss the Douglas High School Band spring concert. The date will be advertised in The Record-Courier. There is a small donation at the door to help with the music program but there is a table of goodies for your enjoyment after the concert. A thank-you also to all the music teachers of the Douglas County School District. You do an outstanding job of training our youth in music appreciation and instruction in instrument playing and vocalizing. You give them something that will last a lifetime. The entire music department, teachers and students, deserve more credit than they get. In the future, please attend their concerts. It is professional quality and you will enjoy it.

Thanks again, Alex.

Gayle Fees

Gardnerville