Dear Editor:

One year ago, Osoyoos Secondary School gave its music students the news that the School Band program was being eliminated.

As we all know, Osoyoos students are strong and passionate and these music students are no exception. The students formed their own band club, meeting three times a week before school in order to continue playing.

Dubbed by the media as “the Little Band That Could,” it has been a labour of love for all concerned, resulting in a fun and successful club.

Now, one year on, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Osoyoos community for your support in helping us raise much-needed funds to pay for music books, instrument maintenance, and music-related field trips.

We truly appreciate it and could not have achieved our goals without you.

To the Osoyoos Times newspaper, we are grateful for your support in getting the word out about our efforts throughout the year.

To the Osoyoos Legion, Osoyoos Elks Club, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Sue Whittaker, and Hal and Judy Steffler, thank you for your wonderfully generous donations over the past year.

To the Mariposa and Sunshine Ridge Retirement Residences, thank you for letting us hold Christmas concerts for your residents – we enjoyed them very much.

To Jo-Jo’s Cafe staff, we appreciated the opportunity of playing in your premises on Lite-up Night.

To store manager Brian Fry and Buy-Low Foods, thank you for allowing us to hold bake sales in your store.  To Buy-Low customers and staff, thank you for purchasing our baking and providing such kind feedback to our efforts.

To the School Band Club parents, thank you for your tireless support in driving us to practices and concerts, for providing chaperones and transportation for our field trips, helping out with just about everything else.

It’s been a difficult year for the school and for the community, but we fully plan to continue making music, as we love it so much.

Although we’re not sure what format the band will take, if any Grade 8-12 student would like to join us in September please call Anne Murseli at 250-495-4577.

You’d be more than welcome. We feel that music, fine arts and culture are very important parts of a full life.

“It takes a community to raise a child.” We will never forget the kindness of the Osoyoos community.

Students members

Osoyoos School Band

Osoyoos, B.C.