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Director’s Notes

Thank you all for you kind expressions and cards during the holiday concert last evening. You are truly a wonderful family and myself and Mr.G appreciate each of you! The Irondale Christmas parade for us is CANCELED due to poor weather conditions. Have a good weekend!

A Note from the Booster President

Band Booster Meeting March 8th 2010. This meeting is vital for all who will be going on our Spring Trip. All remaining monies for trip should be made out to J.C.I.M.A ...payments must be in before you board the bus. A HUGE THANKS to all those who participated in Shades Valley's First Annual Winter Guard Expo. It was a wonderful event and showcased the level of commitment our boosters have for the band program as a whole. Merri Smith and the Color Guard Staff should be proud of their accomplishments. Wonderful evening and great show! It is a privilege to work beside such committed people who want to see our students succeed in every aspect of life.

Shades Valley Band Honors

• 2007: Superior Rating at the National Adjudicators Invitational, Chattanooga, TN. Also received Best Woodwind section and Best Percussion section.


• 1996-2006: Straight Superior Ratings at Alabama Bandmasters State Contest - 10 YEARS IN A ROW!


• 1996-2006: Best in Class Band at the Greater Birmingham Marching Festival, White Columns Invitational, Phoenix Invitational, Tuscaloosa Showcase of Bands, Pell City Invitational, Heart of Dixie Marching Festival…Just to name a few


• 2005: VMI Contest, Straight 1's


• 2005: Fiesta-Val Contest, 1st in class


• 2003: Dixie Classic Honor Band, St. Louis


• 2002: All-star Music Festival, Orlando, 1

Who's Who List Of Those Contributing To Shades Valley's Success

• Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis


• Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel


• The Alabama Symphony Orchestra


• The Univ. of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band


• Former Illinois Director, Dr. Harry Begian


• Jazz Vibist, Chuck Redd