The Fairfax Concert Band will perform in Branson in April. Pictured, from left to right, are: front row – Chloe Vernon, Anna Ohlensehlen, Amelia Larson, KayDee Duering, and Erin Eyman; second row – Tyler Duering, Kelsey Avrett, and Lexi Brown; third row – Joaquin Hill (a former band member), Austin Helfers, Luke Swinehart, and Chase Gayler; and back row – Mason Kingery, Kenneth Kirkpatrick, Johnny Pickard, Cowen O’Riley, Clayton Vernon, and Kendall Kingery. (Submitted photo)
Fairfax High School has been given the opportunity to showcase their high school band students in Branson, Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capital of the World.
The high school band is currently raising funds for their trip to Branson, which will take place April 4 and 5, where they will be the pre-show performance for The Presleys’ Country Jubilee Show.
Upon arrival at The Presleys’ Country Jubilee Theatre, the Fairfax Concert Band will have a clinic with the music performance coordinator. Once this is completed, the theatre doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with their performance beginning at 7:25 p.m. The Fairfax band will play for 20 minutes. After their performance they will have the opportunity to watch the The Presleys’ Show that begins at 8:00 p.m.
Their first fundraiser for the trip will be a chili/soup supper before the PreK-12 Christmas program on Tuesday, December 10. The meal will run from 4:45 to 6:00 p.m. with the Christmas program beginning at 6:30 p.m. All funds raised from the dinner will go towards their trip. High school band students will be serving your choice of chili, vegetable beef soup, or chicken noodle soup, and desserts. This will be a free will donation.
Closer to the performance date, the high school band will also hold a dinner and show in the high school gym. (The date and meal have not been determined.) However, your dinner and show will be their performance for the Branson concert. This will be a free will donation as well.
Ms. Debra Wyatt, director, said, “When I first started teaching, I had a retired band director tell me to get my kids out to play anywhere and everywhere. That has always been my goal. If I see an opportunity, I go for it. We play at our favorite place, home. We do our annual nursing home tours for Christmas, we’ve played at East Hills Mall, marched in the Columbia (MU) Homecoming parades, performed at Worlds of Fun, and even played at state basketball tournaments. They all have been great experiences! I’m very excited for this amazing opportunity for our high school band students! To play on stage in Branson will be an amazing experience and one that they will remember for a lifetime.”
The band hopes everyone will come to both dinners and performances. If you are not able to and would like to make a donation, contact Ms. Wyatt at dwyatt@fxbulldogs.net.
