Band Extravaganza change? and Florida 2026 needs your input!

Hello band and orchestra students and parents,

I hope you are doing well! I am so proud of our solo and ensemble students from Saturday!

1. We are looking at changing the Band Extravaganza date and location. Lately we have not been able to fit in the Jack H. Miller Center for the Musical Arts on stage or in the audience. We have an opportunity to host this concert on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. (instead of the previously planned Wednesday, March 19) at West Ottawa's new performing arts center. We recognize that this is a change and request prompt notification from band families if this change would cause a problem for your family. Please email me by Friday, Feb. 14 if this change would be a conflict for you. I will let you know the official decision a.s.a.p. after the Friday, Feb. 14 deadline.

2. I wanted to pass along some advanced scheduling information for 2026. We are planning a Florida trip for our concert band, concert orchestra symphonic band, and symphonic orchestra. We will hang out in the parks, perform on the theme park concert stage, and take part in a fun workshop.

We are planning on departing Holland on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 and wrapping up our trip with a worship service on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Our return trip will arrive back in Holland on Monday, April 6, 2026. Some families travel to Florida and have their children stay with them at the end of the trip rather than ride the charter bus back to Holland, MI. We have lots more info to come and the trip is fun. It isn't required, but thought it might be nice to pencil in the date on your calendars.

Two additional notes for the 2026 Florida trip:
-Holland Christian's official spring break begins on Friday, April 3. Students will be excused for the 1st and 2nd of April.
-Since this is also Holy Week we will be observing Good Friday with a time of worship Friday evening as a band and orchestra and also celebrating Easter with an Orlando congregation. Families are welcome to join us. If parents would like to pick up their children before church on Sunday and attend another church that is also a possibility.

3. We are considering doing a trip to Universal Studios for 2026 instead of Disney. We would like your input. The change in park would be a significant savings for kids and some positive perks. Do a little research and after you have done this, please take this survey to indicate your preference.

4. Sign up here to help out with Swingin' the Night Away on March 7 by donating desserts, helping serve or clean up! Students can also sign up to help with decorating or just let me know if you are willing to help out.

Thank you!

Mr. VB

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Scott Vanden Berg | Director of Instrumental Music Holland Christian High School  950 Ottawa Ave, Holland, MI 49423  school: 616.820.2805 cell: 616.212.8867 blog: http://vandenbergnotes.blogspot.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musichchs/ "Equipping Minds and Nurturing Hearts to Transform the World for Jesus Christ"