February 6, 2012

The strange but pleasant winter weather is still with us. I keep wondering when we will get clobbered by a huge snowfall? I guess we should be glad for lower than anticipated utility costs associated with the warmer weather and minimal snow removal costs. This past weekend we hosted the 36^th or 37^th Annual Lakeview solo contest. This event started in the spring of 1976 or 1977 in response to school and parent dissatisfaction with the Illinois Grade School Music Association Solo Contest. The IGSMA contest often involved transporting 150 students great distances for an entire 8 – 10 hour day to perform a 3 minute solo. In the interest improving the learning and musical experience for our students, this contest was established and remains in place today. At its height we had over 500 students from as many as six districts participated. In recent years the event has settled into a long term arrangement with the Gower School District that now involves about 300 students. Thanks to the District 66 Music Boosters and our teachers; Ms. Berman, Mr. Ohlsen, Mr. Tedeschi and Ms. Wyse for making this a great event for students! Congratulations to our Outstanding Soloists Winners and all participants. I am glad that we had no snow this weekend since this event has been bombed the last few years with a big snow storm the night before the contest!

Have a great week!