From the moment we’re born, we’re subject to change. As we grow, we’re not often aware of the changes taking place in and around us because they occur so slowly, in such tiny increments. But every now and then, we experience a quick, dramatic change; a change that seemed to come out of nowhere. And, sometimes, we might feel it’s unfair. But, really, even those types of changes often brew for months or years before they present themselves. On July 27th, 2018, Dan Kesterke announced that he was leaving his position as Director of Bands at Adrian High School. We heard from many people who, while happy for Dan, were shocked and saddened by his departure from APS. But that’s what life does: it throws changes at us and, by forcing us to deal with them, shapes and strengthens us. Dan didn’t see his new opportunity as Director of Bands and Percussion at Siena Heights University coming. It just appeared once a set of changes in somebody else’s life was done playing out. But, whether he knew it or not, Dan was preparing for this next step in his life - by dedicating himself to the kids at Adrian High School for the last decade; by building the band program to what it is today; by believing in and sharing the tremendous power of music; and by being good at what he does. If all those things weren’t true, we wouldn’t care so much that he’s leaving. “The scores at marching and concert band festivals were great, but the stories of the individual growth of our members and the joy of music making are what I will always remember,” Dan wrote. “The night the marching band played their music while the stadium lights were broken will be a point of pride forever seared in my mind. Your energy and willingness to keep going and playing was inspiring. You are all band heroes, and the Adrian community needs you to be brave and courageous.” “[And] Adrian Public Schools needs you, the band, at this moment. Transitions are difficult. How we handle [them] dictates the type of people we eventually become. By practicing grace and patience now, your future adult self is thanking you. Be a positive light in the darkness of negativity, and you will be much further ahead than most. Band kids are the light of the world, and the band needs you to be at your best moving forward. I believe in you. You can do it.” Thank you, Dan, for all that you’ve brought to Adrian Music during this last ten years. We're sad to see you go, but we're so happy you were here. We wish you and your family all the best as your lives continue to change in exciting ways.
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The Adrian Music Boosters' concession stand at Maple Stadium is a major source of funding for our school music programs. But we need volunteers to make it work. (Sign up here.)
If your child or grandchild is a member of any APS band, choir or orchestra, please support the cause of music education by helping us in the stand during at least one football game. Each time you volunteer, you'll earn $10 for your music student's personal Music Booster account. You can then apply that money to Band Camp and other music camps, instruments, private lessons, and any other music-related expenses. High school music students can pitch in at the stand, too, to earn money for their own accounts. Football games are held Thursday and Friday nights. Thursday shifts run from 5 to 9pm. Two shifts are available on Fridays: 5 to 7:30pm and 7:30 to 10pm. See the full schedule here. Working the concession stand is fun, and no prior experience is required. Just wear a hat or a hair net to comply with the health code and bring a great attitude. See all the available dates and sign up to volunteer here. Thank you in advance for your help. Annette Armentrout is the current Adrian Music Boosters Treasurer. Since her term has expired, we’re looking for another music parent or grandparent to take over the role.
Annette said she spends between 2 to 6 hours on Treasurer-specific duties each week. She uses Excel because it allows her to easily share forms, files and information with everyone else on the Boosters board. Even the checkbook detail is in an Excel file. Treasurer-Specific Tasks 1) Pay invoices and reimbursements. 2) Deposit any checks and cash. 3) Ensure all documents are in order. 4) Track student accounts and provide updates to families as needed. 5) Provide receipts. 6) File 501(c)(3) information as required. 7) Provide AHS with semi and annual updates on spending and accounts. 8) Build budget. 9) Support cash tracking needs of committees. From an accounting standpoint, Annette ranks the difficulty of this position as 5 on a 10-point scale. She said, “Our 501(c)(3) status adds another dimension to this role now as there are legal reporting requirements that must be understood and followed. Certain types of payments cannot go out without proper documentation, and there are additional files that must be filled out annually and submitted to the state. The Treasurer must understand what we are and how we’re registered as a non-profit under those guidelines to fill out the forms.” Annette added that, “Serving as Treasurer is a great way to be involved with the Boosters and get to know our music families.” If you’re interested in serving as the new Music Boosters Treasurer, please email Scott Greggory or call him at 419/351-2205. Band Camp is the key to starting the marching band season on the right foot, for each individual musician and for the band as a whole. It's an important experience that helps band members bond, learn how to work together, and push each other to be better. And for many, it's one of the first steps toward growing more confident and becoming independent.
(Watch videos from Band Camp 2017.) Band Camp Fast Facts Dates: Band Camp 2018 runs from Sunday, July 29th until Saturday, August 4th. Location: The Amigo Centre, 26455 Banker Road, Sturgis, Michigan. Phone: (269)651-2811. Check-in: In front of Adrian High School - Sunday, July 29th at noon. Load-in: We'll begin loading luggage and instruments onto the buses at 1pm. Departure: The buses will leave to transport marching band members to Band Camp at 2pm. Camp performance: Band Camp concludes with an on-field run-through of the season's first show in Sturgis, Saturday, August 4th at noon. Camp breaks: Marching band members leave Sturgis with their parents. The school van will be available for students who need a ride back to Adrian. To request roommates, students should click here to use this Google doc. Cost: Band Camp 2018 costs $265 per camper. That fee includes all meals, cabin accommodations, activities, and group and personal musical instruction. There are two ways to defer the cost of Band Camp. (Watch this video as a former AHS students says "Don't Miss This Experience.") You can apply any money in your music student's personal Music Booster account. You or your student can earn money for that account by: 1) Using Scrip gift cards 2) Working in our concession stand during football games 3) Selling and/or making apple pies during our annual apple pie sale Payments can be made by check or money order to Adrian Public Schools. Please do not send cash. Mail your check(s) or money order(s) to: Sheri Powers 202 Melrose Avenue Adrian, Michigan 49221 If you need assistance with paying for all or part of Band Camp, please notify Mrs. Powers or Mr. Kesterke as quickly as possible. We believe Band Camp is very important, and we don't want anyone to miss it for any reason. Informational Meeting Please join us for a parent / camper meeting, Wednesday, July 18th at 6:30pm in the Adrian High School Performing Arts Center. We'll provide a general overview, answer questions, and accept student medical forms. Band Camp Forms Registration and Medical Information Student Band Camp Code of Conduct Adrian Public Schools Permission Slip Medication Authorization Miscellaneous Information Band Camp Packing List Directions to The Amigo Centre |
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