I wanted to clear a few things up about the "grand opening" of the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center that the band played for last week. Even though the events of the day went pretty smoothly and the band did a great job, the days leading up to it were filled with "3rd party" information and a lot of confusion. I continued to relay the information just as I was receiving it, and it seems like daily that information changed.
It wasn't until we did our preliminary "walk thru" on Wednesday that I heard straight from the department head at the hotel that this was a "closed" event. The entire time we (Mr. Stough and I) were under the impression that this was an event open to the public. I'm not exactly sure where that thought process originated, but it was extremely presumptuous on our part to assume anyone was invited and I felt embarassed for having asked the direct question.
The entire event turned out to be a "kick off" celebration for the hotel staff and employees--it was not their official grand opening, nor were any dignitaries or city officials present. It was, in essence, a "pep rally" to get the employees excited about their jobs. I apologize for the conflicting announcements and wanted to clarify that this in no way was a decision of any city "official", nor did it have anything to do with the administration at ACA.
With that said, I wanted to let you all know how extremely impressed they were with our band! I spoke with the General Manager who asked if we would be open to coming back to play for other events at the hotel. He even discussed a very generous donation they would make to our band program as an "honorarium" for performing at future events. I think it's wonderful that we're developing this relationship with them, which could lead to so many fantastic opportunities in the future. Montgomery is fortunate to have such an incredible hotel, Convention Center and soon to be opening, Performing Arts Center.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS...
CandyGram Sales this week only!
CandyGram order forms are in the lobby of the high school and orders are being accepted now thru this Friday, February 8th. Judy Rittenour and Elizabeth Staten are in the lobby beginning at 7:30 a.m. to receive your order. PARENTS! Please feel free to place your own orders and send your little darlings, the office staff, or teachers CandyGrams too!!!
2nd Disney Trip Payment Due this Friday!
Don't forget that your 2nd payment of $150 is due this Friday, February 8th (for students and chaperones). Please have your student place their check in an envelope (labeled with their name) in the BAND DEPOSIT BOX in the band room. I will check it daily!
