Jr. H.S. Music Dept. Welcome Letter

Dear Parents and Students,

It is a pleasure to welcome you to the school year here at the Jr. H.S. The instrumental ensembles will be carrying on the tradition this year of producing fine young people with talent,confidence, and vision. The facilities here are some of the best in the district and with everyone's help we will use our time and energies to the best advantage. This new school year brings new and exciting challenges for me with learning how to best develop the talents of our students. I look forward to working closely with students, and parents, to best fulfill their needs.

The performing groups here at the Jr. H.S. have a storied tradition of excellence in the community and this year, with numerous requests for performance already, will provide each musician with opportunities to develop musically and personally. There will be, in addition to concerts, field trips, guest lectures, and instrumental solo opportunities, in accordance with the recently instituted Higher Profiles of Learning, as listed by the Minnesota Office of Graduation Standards.

The Jr. H.S. is known for graduating excellent students. This year will be no different and you will all be part of this rich tradition. With each of us doing our very best to see that the music program succeeds through commitment, cooperation, and trust, this school year will be a success and undoubtedly zip by before we know it. I am excited about the opportunities for this school year and I hope you are also. I hope to hear and you share your concerns when they come up. You may call and leave a message on my voice mail, if I am unavailable at that time (651.494.9309) or email. I will make time to be available to meet with you and hope to do so throughout the school year. Let us together make this year a memorable one. Thank you.

Kenneth Thomas
Director of Bands and Orchestra