:: "At Dawn They Slept" Thoughts::
:: Nixa Bands Nixa, Missouri::
- The following are thoughts that have been submitted via the website.
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As we started to develop this show back in November, I thought it would be a great way of tying the show to a really great trip. And along the
gone beyond that. The amount of items that have been placed within the show has grown to a tremendous amount, many of which the
audience has seen but doesn't realize exist. We have talked beyond facts and figures of this tragedy. We have touched into the emotions of
the event as only an art form can do. I have seen tears shed in the stands and on the field. The kids get it. How great is that?
I am so proud of this show. I am proud of the students. I am proud of the staff. And I am proud of myself. This show represents my best
teaching yet. It has been a gift to the students and I am pleased at the level that they embraced it.
I am extremely sad to see the marching season close. It will be painful to close the book on this show. But I am so glad that we have told
this story and in the manner for which it was presented.
--Peggy Leffert, Parent
I've been a band "groupie" for 5 years, a band parent for 4 years. I've loved helping, getting to know the group and even relying upon you for
leadership and strong friends for my girls to march beside. I've been a believer in the life lessons taught in previous years and have enjoyed
the shows, but nothing compares to my experience this year.
The show has meant so much to me because it means so much to you. You can see it and feel it in they way you play. The emotional
connection is felt in every chair in every stadium I sit in and hear you play. I am proud to accept compliments on you behalf from parents of
other bands, members of other bands,school secretaries, and others who feel the meaning behind each note you play and each step you
march during the show. I wish every veteran of every war could feel the respect and appreciation in your show!! Thank you to Mr. Finger,
Ms. Martin, Mr. Morehead and everyone who had a hand in bringing this show to you. Thank you to every section leader and player who took
it to heart and made it something so very, very special.
--Victoria Grasmick, Parent
I completely understand that At Dawn they Slept is tribute to Pearl Harbor and it has been a noble well thought out show, but for me the
show is more than that. Having spent 15 years in the military I have studied the battle ground to ultimately experience the battle ground
personally. For many, myself included, the military is a brotherhood, a brotherhood that reaches generations. While our experiences may
vary, the aftermath stays the same. At Dawn They Slept speaks to my heart because I have survived the attack, mourned the dead and
picked myself up to fight on. The show is personal...I have not made it one performance without a tear. The story of this show
encompasses an experience that can not be put on paper. I am grateful for your effort in attempting to make the kids understand the
emotion of the day. In some ways it has been healing for me and for Daphne even if she has not directly said so.
--Pat Pierce, Parent
Thank you to you and your staff for a job well done! Joe and I really enjoyed the performance Saturday and it has been a great ride watching
the students develop the show this year. You have done an excellent job of giving the students the background needed to put feeling into the
show. If you could introduce the show at the game Friday night and dedicate it to any and all veterans, that would be a great way to cap the
fall season. The show this year is different than so many other shows in that it has a lot more depth and personal reactions from the
students. Keep up the good work!
--Kim Martin, Assistant Director
I have been so proud of this show. There are many years that I am in love with Marching Season at the beginning of the season and by the
third contest I am ready to move on. This has not been the case this year. I just couldn't get enough of this show and these kids. I still
haven't cried about the completion of marching season (if you haven't caught on, I am a crier). It's not because I have no feelings for this
show, I think it's the opposite. Not to get corny, but I feel this show will live on forever inside of me. I think every show does...even my Elvis
show from college :), this one just had a much greater impact on me. I don't think I am ready to pack this show away. It is still on the
surface and I hope it will be for a long time. I am the luckiest person in the world. I have an amazing family, great friends and a job I love.
This season just made my job a little more enjoyable. I am so proud of our band in more ways than I can ever express in !
--Sue Clement, Former band parent
WOW....what a wonderful performance for the band! We went to the football game last week, specifically to see the band (band parents
forever!!). It was so amazing that we needed to see them in competition (so we didn't have the noise of the football crowd). We went to
Ozarko on Saturday...I still have goosebumps (and not from the weather, either!). What a meaningful tribute for the veterans and what a
memorable experience for the kids. You should be very proud of the kids and of the program.
--Carmen Perkins, Parent
Upon first hearing about this year's show, I felt a personal satisfaction. My father-in-law served in WWII and in recent years, he has told us
fascinating stories about his time in Europe. I felt so special to hear these personal accounts and wanted my boys to realize how fortunate
they are to call this man PaPa.
Thankfully, Mr. Finger was able to not only teach my son respect, responsibility and dedication, but he brought home the point that I was
unable to convey. Thank you for teaching him that his grandfather is a true hero and to be proud to call him PaPa.
--Lola Penick, Parent
Thank you to all of the Crimson Corp. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Thank you for getting up and being on the field at 7:00
a.m. every day (even sometimes on late start Mondays). Thank you for putting your hearts into the music. It is so obvious in your
performances. I love this show more than any other you've done in the 6 years my girls have been "band geeks". The sad thing for me is
that it is coming to an end soon. I have told so many people about this year's show and have tried to get people to come because it is so
great. Mr. Finger, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Morehead, thank you all. Thank you also to Pat who wrote and/or arranged this beautiful music. Nixa
Crimson Corp Band has been a life changing experience for my family.
--Llyod Bottoms, Parent
This is just a short note to let you know how much I appreciate you and your staff for putting together the show "AT DAWN THEY SLEPT".
What a GREAT way to teach and really make the kids a part of history. My child has asked more questions of me regarding not just the
attack on Pearl Harbor, but of World War 2 in general. Why war?...What was to be gained?,and by whom?....other invasions ?... etc. It has
certainly been a mind opening event in his life.. And the things that you have brought into this production, such as the dog tags, have really
brought this event close to his heart...Much more so than reading history from a book ever has. And it has brought it closer even for me. My
brother served in the Navy, Submarine Corps, during World War 2, and this show had opened up dialog with him regarding his service
during the war. He passed on during this seasons show, but because of it I was able to learn more about him than I ever knew before..
Thanks for a wonderful show, for creating a curiosity in my son about historic events, and for bringing me closer to my late brother. What a
great year for the marching band, and I'm proud that my son has been a part of it.
--Brandi Anderson, Alumni
As an alumni of the Nixa Bands I was so proud to get a chance to see you put such an amazing show out on the field. As I watch you go
from drill set to drill set, I could see the range of emotions on each students face. There was a moment were I saw a guard girl with tears in
her eyes and that really hit me. To be able to put that much emotion into a field show like the one you have shows a mature group of
students. I am amazed by all of the Nixa band students, and very proud to be able to say that I am a graduate of such a great program.
--C. Kucsik, Parent
The show brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch the band preform it. My grandfather lost his brother in WWII and this preformance truly
means a lot to me. I am greatful that the students will get to see Pearl Harbor and it won't just be something they read about in a history
book.
--Sheila McDowell, Parent
I a SOOOO proud of the entire Nixa band. This year's performance gives me goose bumps, especially when the Adagio movement builds to
a forte! The entire performance is spectacular!!!!! I, too am really sorry that the season is over. Blake's grandpa was a PT boat captain in
WWII, so this show brings reality to what those young men & women went through.
Thank you Mr. Finger and all the directors! Congratulations to every member of the Crimson Corp. You can be very proud of yourselves for
such a wonderful, heartfelt show.
--Andrew Martin, Student
Unlike most shows which are performed purely for entertainment, "At Dawn They Slept" is aimed at telling the story of Pearl Harbor and
bringing out emotion in the audience. When we do it right and see that we've done justice for the hero whose name we wear around our
neck, we're crying. When we do it wrong and see the disappointment on the faces around us, we're crying. When we take the field at
competition, scream "We are Nixa!", and think about the hero we're each playing for, we're crying. When we stand around our director to
hear the results and find out if we're going to take the field again to honor our name and the fallen, we're crying. Every inch of this
masterpiece we've performed was covered in tears. Sometimes joyous tears, sometimes sorrowful tears, and quite often a mixture of both.
--Karen Risner, Parent
Even though I have just had a child in the show these last two years, I have watched the band performances for several years prior. This
year's show is the best yet - it is so moving! Congratulations for a job well done!
--Bill Yoes, Parent
This show was a winner for me from the first time I heard it. My compliments to the staff and the students for the excellence with which the
show was conceived, written and executed. I have been reminded of the great privilege of growing up among so many "quite heroes" who
served their country willingly in war times and came home to serve their families and community without expecting to be treated any
differently than before. Being old enough to look back and see that perspective, it makes watching the band perform this tribute so very well
especially rewarding. I am especially pleased that Mrs. Bandy was honored with a special performance. She is dear to our family and is
typical of the kind of attitude I attempted to describe above. I want the students to understand how special it is to have staff and school
administration that support making your band experience more than just great music. I hope you noticed that some schools don't have the
outstanding level of support and resources for band that Nixa has. You are very privileged to attend school in Nixa and it is great to see you
respond to that by performing this show with the kind of spirit the staff intended. Every performance gave me chills!
--Myranda Clark, student
I just want to say that as a senior I am so proud of the show we have done this year. It is an amazing feeling to know that we have told our
story and the story of so many others in just a few short months. I want to thank everyone who helped make this season a success and for
all the underclassmen I want to say that I love everyone of you guys and you have made this year an amazing senior year. I couldn't have
asked for any better way to end my marching band memories.
gone beyond that. The amount of items that have been placed within the show has grown to a tremendous amount, many of which the
audience has seen but doesn't realize exist. We have talked beyond facts and figures of this tragedy. We have touched into the emotions of
the event as only an art form can do. I have seen tears shed in the stands and on the field. The kids get it. How great is that?
I am so proud of this show. I am proud of the students. I am proud of the staff. And I am proud of myself. This show represents my best
teaching yet. It has been a gift to the students and I am pleased at the level that they embraced it.
I am extremely sad to see the marching season close. It will be painful to close the book on this show. But I am so glad that we have told
this story and in the manner for which it was presented.
--Peggy Leffert, Parent
I've been a band "groupie" for 5 years, a band parent for 4 years. I've loved helping, getting to know the group and even relying upon you for
leadership and strong friends for my girls to march beside. I've been a believer in the life lessons taught in previous years and have enjoyed
the shows, but nothing compares to my experience this year.
The show has meant so much to me because it means so much to you. You can see it and feel it in they way you play. The emotional
connection is felt in every chair in every stadium I sit in and hear you play. I am proud to accept compliments on you behalf from parents of
other bands, members of other bands,school secretaries, and others who feel the meaning behind each note you play and each step you
march during the show. I wish every veteran of every war could feel the respect and appreciation in your show!! Thank you to Mr. Finger,
Ms. Martin, Mr. Morehead and everyone who had a hand in bringing this show to you. Thank you to every section leader and player who took
it to heart and made it something so very, very special.
--Victoria Grasmick, Parent
I completely understand that At Dawn they Slept is tribute to Pearl Harbor and it has been a noble well thought out show, but for me the
show is more than that. Having spent 15 years in the military I have studied the battle ground to ultimately experience the battle ground
personally. For many, myself included, the military is a brotherhood, a brotherhood that reaches generations. While our experiences may
vary, the aftermath stays the same. At Dawn They Slept speaks to my heart because I have survived the attack, mourned the dead and
picked myself up to fight on. The show is personal...I have not made it one performance without a tear. The story of this show
encompasses an experience that can not be put on paper. I am grateful for your effort in attempting to make the kids understand the
emotion of the day. In some ways it has been healing for me and for Daphne even if she has not directly said so.
--Pat Pierce, Parent
Thank you to you and your staff for a job well done! Joe and I really enjoyed the performance Saturday and it has been a great ride watching
the students develop the show this year. You have done an excellent job of giving the students the background needed to put feeling into the
show. If you could introduce the show at the game Friday night and dedicate it to any and all veterans, that would be a great way to cap the
fall season. The show this year is different than so many other shows in that it has a lot more depth and personal reactions from the
students. Keep up the good work!
--Kim Martin, Assistant Director
I have been so proud of this show. There are many years that I am in love with Marching Season at the beginning of the season and by the
third contest I am ready to move on. This has not been the case this year. I just couldn't get enough of this show and these kids. I still
haven't cried about the completion of marching season (if you haven't caught on, I am a crier). It's not because I have no feelings for this
show, I think it's the opposite. Not to get corny, but I feel this show will live on forever inside of me. I think every show does...even my Elvis
show from college :), this one just had a much greater impact on me. I don't think I am ready to pack this show away. It is still on the
surface and I hope it will be for a long time. I am the luckiest person in the world. I have an amazing family, great friends and a job I love.
This season just made my job a little more enjoyable. I am so proud of our band in more ways than I can ever express in !
--Sue Clement, Former band parent
WOW....what a wonderful performance for the band! We went to the football game last week, specifically to see the band (band parents
forever!!). It was so amazing that we needed to see them in competition (so we didn't have the noise of the football crowd). We went to
Ozarko on Saturday...I still have goosebumps (and not from the weather, either!). What a meaningful tribute for the veterans and what a
memorable experience for the kids. You should be very proud of the kids and of the program.
--Carmen Perkins, Parent
Upon first hearing about this year's show, I felt a personal satisfaction. My father-in-law served in WWII and in recent years, he has told us
fascinating stories about his time in Europe. I felt so special to hear these personal accounts and wanted my boys to realize how fortunate
they are to call this man PaPa.
Thankfully, Mr. Finger was able to not only teach my son respect, responsibility and dedication, but he brought home the point that I was
unable to convey. Thank you for teaching him that his grandfather is a true hero and to be proud to call him PaPa.
--Lola Penick, Parent
Thank you to all of the Crimson Corp. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. Thank you for getting up and being on the field at 7:00
a.m. every day (even sometimes on late start Mondays). Thank you for putting your hearts into the music. It is so obvious in your
performances. I love this show more than any other you've done in the 6 years my girls have been "band geeks". The sad thing for me is
that it is coming to an end soon. I have told so many people about this year's show and have tried to get people to come because it is so
great. Mr. Finger, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Morehead, thank you all. Thank you also to Pat who wrote and/or arranged this beautiful music. Nixa
Crimson Corp Band has been a life changing experience for my family.
--Llyod Bottoms, Parent
This is just a short note to let you know how much I appreciate you and your staff for putting together the show "AT DAWN THEY SLEPT".
What a GREAT way to teach and really make the kids a part of history. My child has asked more questions of me regarding not just the
attack on Pearl Harbor, but of World War 2 in general. Why war?...What was to be gained?,and by whom?....other invasions ?... etc. It has
certainly been a mind opening event in his life.. And the things that you have brought into this production, such as the dog tags, have really
brought this event close to his heart...Much more so than reading history from a book ever has. And it has brought it closer even for me. My
brother served in the Navy, Submarine Corps, during World War 2, and this show had opened up dialog with him regarding his service
during the war. He passed on during this seasons show, but because of it I was able to learn more about him than I ever knew before..
Thanks for a wonderful show, for creating a curiosity in my son about historic events, and for bringing me closer to my late brother. What a
great year for the marching band, and I'm proud that my son has been a part of it.
--Brandi Anderson, Alumni
As an alumni of the Nixa Bands I was so proud to get a chance to see you put such an amazing show out on the field. As I watch you go
from drill set to drill set, I could see the range of emotions on each students face. There was a moment were I saw a guard girl with tears in
her eyes and that really hit me. To be able to put that much emotion into a field show like the one you have shows a mature group of
students. I am amazed by all of the Nixa band students, and very proud to be able to say that I am a graduate of such a great program.
--C. Kucsik, Parent
The show brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch the band preform it. My grandfather lost his brother in WWII and this preformance truly
means a lot to me. I am greatful that the students will get to see Pearl Harbor and it won't just be something they read about in a history
book.
--Sheila McDowell, Parent
I a SOOOO proud of the entire Nixa band. This year's performance gives me goose bumps, especially when the Adagio movement builds to
a forte! The entire performance is spectacular!!!!! I, too am really sorry that the season is over. Blake's grandpa was a PT boat captain in
WWII, so this show brings reality to what those young men & women went through.
Thank you Mr. Finger and all the directors! Congratulations to every member of the Crimson Corp. You can be very proud of yourselves for
such a wonderful, heartfelt show.
--Andrew Martin, Student
Unlike most shows which are performed purely for entertainment, "At Dawn They Slept" is aimed at telling the story of Pearl Harbor and
bringing out emotion in the audience. When we do it right and see that we've done justice for the hero whose name we wear around our
neck, we're crying. When we do it wrong and see the disappointment on the faces around us, we're crying. When we take the field at
competition, scream "We are Nixa!", and think about the hero we're each playing for, we're crying. When we stand around our director to
hear the results and find out if we're going to take the field again to honor our name and the fallen, we're crying. Every inch of this
masterpiece we've performed was covered in tears. Sometimes joyous tears, sometimes sorrowful tears, and quite often a mixture of both.
--Karen Risner, Parent
Even though I have just had a child in the show these last two years, I have watched the band performances for several years prior. This
year's show is the best yet - it is so moving! Congratulations for a job well done!
--Bill Yoes, Parent
This show was a winner for me from the first time I heard it. My compliments to the staff and the students for the excellence with which the
show was conceived, written and executed. I have been reminded of the great privilege of growing up among so many "quite heroes" who
served their country willingly in war times and came home to serve their families and community without expecting to be treated any
differently than before. Being old enough to look back and see that perspective, it makes watching the band perform this tribute so very well
especially rewarding. I am especially pleased that Mrs. Bandy was honored with a special performance. She is dear to our family and is
typical of the kind of attitude I attempted to describe above. I want the students to understand how special it is to have staff and school
administration that support making your band experience more than just great music. I hope you noticed that some schools don't have the
outstanding level of support and resources for band that Nixa has. You are very privileged to attend school in Nixa and it is great to see you
respond to that by performing this show with the kind of spirit the staff intended. Every performance gave me chills!
--Myranda Clark, student
I just want to say that as a senior I am so proud of the show we have done this year. It is an amazing feeling to know that we have told our
story and the story of so many others in just a few short months. I want to thank everyone who helped make this season a success and for
all the underclassmen I want to say that I love everyone of you guys and you have made this year an amazing senior year. I couldn't have
asked for any better way to end my marching band memories.