Sweet Grass County News

SGHS Music Program Superior

This letter is a couple weeks overdue, and I apologize for that. Over the past few years there has been considerable conversation about our young people here in Big Timber having developed a losing attitude. After several years of both basketball and football teams with sub-par seasons, we can understand the thinking. This year, our basketball team had a great measure of success, and we commend them highly for their winning season and the excitement that it brought back to the community, but that is not the reason for this letter. It is also not to try to take anything away from their accomplishments, but to try to get our young people to look at the ENTIRE picture.

My wife Becky and I have lived here in Big Timber for 13 years. Our friend, Naomi Esp, has also lived here for 13 years. Becky, Naomi and I have the same feelings about the music program here at SGHS. Our children have grown up together and they have been involved in one of the most INCREDIBLE programs that SGHS OR ANY OTHER High School in this state has ever had, and one that we think has been taken for granted by many members of the community. That Program is the MUSIC program, taught by John Novotny and Jim Bratvold. Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of attending the District Music Festival in Billings. I would guess that in the neighborhood of 80% of our High School students performed either vocally or instrumentally. We listened to several groups and solos, plus the concert band and Jazz band and Sweet Sixteen. I haven't had the time to research the statistics, but I think somewhere around 75% of the entries from SGHS received SUPERIOR ratings, and all but the Concert Band and Concert Choir will be representing SGHS at the State Music Festival in Billings on the 5th and 6th of May. We have been accustomed to GREAT music here in Big Timber for quite some time, but we wonder if anyone has ever thought of the enormity of the success that they have had. I, myself, grew up and was involved with very good music programs, and have been involved in Music all my life, and was blown away by the magnitude of the success of this program over the years. Think back as far as you can and see if you can remember the last time the Concert Band got anything OTHER than a Superior rating! When you consider the numbers of students involved in the music programs, it is a testament to the teaching skills and the rapport with the students that Mr. Novotny and Mr. Bratvold have. Both men NEED to Be Highly commended for their contributions to this community AND to our children. Everyone's children have benefited from their expertise for a long period of time, and we sincerely thank them for what they have instilled in our own children.

Now to the subject of winning attitudes. Considering the success of the music program, with almost all of the students at SGHS participating, You, the STUDENTS, need to be proud of your accomplishments. Whether you know it or not, you have created a winning attitude that should be the basis of all you do. Carry that attitude over into you sports programs, and your studies. You just need to apply it to these areas of your lives. You ARE NOT losers. In fact, you are the biggest group of Winners I have ever been around. You should be PROUD of your accomplishments in music, for they will be part of your lives for the REST of your lives, whether you know it or not.

The Year 2000 Sweet 16 Choir - Received Superior Ratings and is one of the best in the State.

 
The SGHS Band is one of the best in the State.

So, Big Timber, stand up and cheer for your young people. They are the center of our future, and they have been and are being prepared for that task by two gentlemen who know the importance of a WINNING ATTITUDE. Thank you again, John and Jim, for your Huge contributions to our community and our children. And above all, thank you to our young folks who have made the effort to succeed in the Music Field. We know most of you and you are an inspiring group of young people. Keep up the good work, and remember- Hold your Heads High, for your are INDEED winners!

Sincerely,
Ken and Becky Rockeman
Naomi Esp
Big Timber, MT

Sweet Grass County News Home Page

This page Sponsored by :
Lowry's Prized Possessions
Citizens Bank
The Toggery Flower Shop
The Grand Hotel, Restaurant, Bed & Breakfast