Concert Comments

Dear Teachers,

I cannot tell you how proud I am to be associated with last night’s program. I am touched deeply by the caliber of your work and the quality of student work that you put out there every year.  The musical groups sounded great. ROTC looked solid. And the stage management was outstanding.

Thank you on behalf of every guest in the audience last night. And as the principal of Westside High School, I deeply thank you for the experiences you give your students every day.

Paul Castro
Principal
Westside High School

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What a great program Tuesday night!
You all did a fantastic job of putting it together.
 
 Thanks,
~ DeLonn

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What a terrific concert last night!  The students all performed so wonderfully.  It was such a pleasure to be there!

Thank you for all for the hard work that went into the performance.

Nancy Watts
Registrar's Office
Westside High School

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I just wanted to let you all know how much I enjoyed the program last night.  I enjoyed the variety of music and the way that the auditorium was utilized with performances taking place all over.  We have such a talented group of kids.  I was a little partial to the clarinet choir.  My only request for next year would be that the directors perform a song entirely by themselves!  I wanted to hear more last night!

Kay Sheridan

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Directors:
 
Thank you for all your time and effort that you put into the concert last night.  I know it was a huge undertaking.  And it was a great concert.
I heard in passing the comment of this concert being a Westside tradition.  And I am sure that you all are shuddering at the thought of this large task becoming a yearly event.  But I cannot think of a better tradition for a school.
You are doing such a huge part in teaching today’s children that Veteran’s Day is a special day.  It is so touching for us veterans to know that today’s youth are remembering the sacrifices that are being made.
 
Thank you again!!! I know you put in many hours – I hope you will be doing it again next year.
 
Sincerely,
Lisa Say

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I just have to tell you all how much I enjoyed last night’s show! The performances were great and I was amazed at how you managed to move so many kids (and instruments) around. It looked effortless but I know that this is far from the truth and it must have taken quite a bit of planning and coordination.
After the first number, I thought, “This is what the auditorium was built for.” The sound was fabulous. Each number gave me a greater appreciation for what you all do and I had no idea how many different groups you direct. We certainly have some talented kids but it is you who bring forth the best and give them this opportunity to shine. (And it was a kick seeing you play as well.) We’ve come so far in the past few years, it’s incredible.
I don’t know if you had a chance to actually see the audience, but one look at the faces would tell you I was not alone in my appreciation. The slide presentation was the perfect lead into the last number which gave me chills. There was a young man in uniform in front of me and so many older veterans who stood proudly… it was extremely moving.
With sincere thanks,
Diana Baron
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Seriously, I wanted to tell you how wonderful the Veteran's Day program was.  I didn't hold up long - I started my crying during the pledge.  It's impossible to say which part was my favorite but I mostly appreciate that you had the veterans stand during the last song for much deserved recognition.  Matthew said he saw one of them - an old man - crying.  I was elated to have the opportunity to applaud them.
 
Sincerely,
 
Susan Milligan

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To WHS Music Directors, Theater Directors and JROTC Leaders:
 
Congratulations to all of you on a wonderful concert performance last evening!  It is amazing to think how many students were involved in so many ways, and what an excellent job they did!  It is a testament to your leadership and guidance.  Thank you for all you do!
 
As a parent who volunteered as a stagehand at last year’s concert, I have a special appreciation for the theater students who worked backstage and handled lighting this year.  It’s a big job, but these students made it look easy!  They were a huge part of the success of the event.  Plus we parents all were able to enjoy the show.  A sincere thank you for that!
 
I have many people to thank for last night’s event, and you and your students are at the top of my list.   Again, congratulations!
 
Barbara Thompson
President, Westside Music Boosters

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Congratulations all for an awesome concert! Thank you all for your hard work.
 
 Sean's and Jade's grandparents came in from out of town for this and I invited my neighbor who has a son currently serving in the Coastguard and a grandson serving in the army in Iraq. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were really touched by the event.
 
Looking forward to another one next year.
 
Giok

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To all of my favorite directors,
 
The concert was great and I loved every minute. You did a wonderful job and have turned 300 teenagers into disciplined performers. This concert gives them exposure to the music of America and hopefully gives them an appreciation for what our servicemen and women do for all of us.  It’s a fine way to teach through participation.
 
All the efforts to attract the community are paying off. I saw 30 or so folks from the senior citizens homes walking in. They really got into standing up when their service organizations’ songs were played. I bet next year they’ll bring their friends. And even though my children will all have graduated, I’ll be back!
 
The confetti from above was a good touch. It sparkled as it fell.
 
 Thank you for a wonderful evening,
 
Laura Wilhelm