To the editor:

Applause and acclamation to both of the Lawrence high school marching bands and color guards that competed in the Oct. 4 Heart of America Marching Festival, sponsored by the Kansas University Band and KMEA Northeast District. It was a glorious day of music at Memorial Stadium! There were 14 bands in the competition, and each band and color guard provided outstanding music, marching, spirit and showmanship.

The students have worked hard all season while tackling very challenging music, marching sets and choreography. I would like to recognize their incredible effort and accomplishments. The Lawrence Free State Marching Firebirds were rated the best of the Kansas bands, placed second in Division 1 and won “outstanding marching execution.” The Lawrence High Marching Lions placed third in Division 1 and were awarded “outstanding music execution.”

A special thank you to KU and to the band directors at both high schools: Randy Fillmore, Tom Hunt and Lauren Gaugert at Free State, and Mike Jones, Patrick McCarty and Johannah Cox at LHS, and to all the additional staff who assist the bands and color guard members.

Both bands are also supported by very active and dedicated parent boosters and community volunteers who provide support behind the scenes and additional band funding through fundraising efforts. They deserve a thank you as well.

The Lawrence public schools continue to provide students with first-rate opportunities in the arts. Congratulations to the Marching Firebirds and the Marching Lions on very impressive and successful marching seasons!

Julie Jasperson,
Lawrence