Congratulations 2011 All-State Band Members!

Lewis Band

Ari Butterfield - Clarinet

Taylor Oleson - Clarinet

Steven Brown - Trombone

Mark Brown - Euphonium

Kara Shroll - Percussion

Nathan Tripp - Percussion

Clark Band

Haley Naasz - Flute

Josh Jasper - Flute

Nell Bender - Clarinet

Brendan Gallo - Trombone

Anthony Pederson - Percussion

World premier music celebrates Bob Goheen

On March 7, 2011, the Brandon Valley High School Symphonic Band performed the world premier of "The Prairie is My Garden" by Robert W Smith.

Commissioned by the Brandon Valley Band Parents, Inc., this work celebrates the career of Bob Goheen, band director at Brandon Valley High School from 1982-2010. The composer writes, "’The Prairie Is My Garden’ is inspired by the artwork of South Dakota native Harvey Dunn.  His most famous image is the source of the title.  It is my hope that the piece will be uniquely South Dakotan providing musical/mental imagery for all.  In addition, it is intended as a metaphor for the rich "garden" of music that has been bestowed upon your band program and community by a very dedicated teacher and conductor.” The work also draws inspiration from two other Dunn works, “The Empty Room,” and “The Visit.”

Congratulation Mrs. Baker!

Laura Baker was named as the 2010 recipient of the Outstanding Young Music Educator Award by the South Dakota Music Education Association.

Originally from Nevis, MN, Laura Baker is in her third year of directing bands at Brandon Valley. Mrs. Baker currently conducts two sixth grade concert bands, one seventh grade band, seventh and eighth grade jazz bands, instructs group lessons and assists with the Marching Lynx. Mrs. Baker received her bachelor's degree in Music Education from Augustana College in 2007 and directed bands at Lac qui Parle Valley in Madison, Minnesota for one year prior to coming to Brandon Valley. In addition to teaching private lessons outside of school, Laura remains active as a performer with the Dakota Wind Ensemble of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She is a member of Music Educators' National Conference, South Dakota Bandmaster's Association, and South Dakota Music Educators' Association. In her free time, Mrs. Baker enjoys being outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Laura and her husband Daniel live in Brandon.

The SDMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator award is given in recognition of meritorious service and outstanding promise in music education. Nominees for this award epitomize every facet of excellence in music teaching in South Dakota. The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor an SDMEA member for excellence in music education who has been teaching between three and seven years. Mrs. Baker was inducted at the SDMEA Music Educators Banquet, which was held on October 29, 2010 in Aberdeen.

Congratulations to the Marching Lynx!

Dutchmen Field Championship- Orange City, IA

Fourth Place AAAA

Pizza Ranch "Triple S" Award

Quad State Marching Competition - Vermillion, SD

Second Place AAA

Outstanding Winds

Festival of Bands - Sioux Falls, SD

First Place AAA Parade

Third Place AAA Field Preliminaries

Eighth Place Field Finals

Waseca Marching Classic - Waseca, MN

First Place AAA Parade

Second Place AAA Field

Overall Sweepstakes Champion

Tri-State Band Festival - Luverne, MN

First Place Class AAA

Parade Sweepstakes

First Place Class AAA Field