Crosby supports Big Red Machine sojourn

Invited to the “Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference” After an extremely rigorous audition process, Crosby is one of only five high school bands in the entire nation selected for this honor.
Invited to the “Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference” After an extremely rigorous audition process, Crosby is one of only five high school bands in the entire nation selected for this honor.

CROSBY – “The Crosby High School Symphonic Band was chosen as one of only 5 high school bands in the country to perform at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, which is the largest and most prestigious instrumental music conference in the world.” explained Kevin Knight, Crosby ISD Director of Bands concerning why locals are asked to come out to the Crawfish Shack on Nov. 17 and support students going on a prestigious band trip.

“This is a very important trip because I feel it’s critical to keep the spirit of our students up through this financial crisis. The kids have nothing to do with the state of our finances and they are not looking for a handout. They have raised the majority of the funds for the trip on their own and now need some help. That’s what we do in Crosby. Crosby takes care of its own. We are resilient community and we will come back stronger than before,” chimed in initiate sponsor Dan Meaux, owner of the Crawfish Shack voted the Best Cajun Food Restaurant in Greater Houston.

“The school was going to help with the cost of the trip but because of the district’s financial problems, they are having to raise 100% of the travel expenses on their own. The total cost for the 56 students and directors is $110,000. They have raised $73K on their own and we are hosting this big fundraiser at the shack to fund the final $37K.” said Knight. “We are selling chopped beef sandwich meals for $10 from 12-5p.m. and the ‘Community Bash for Big Red Machine’ at Crawfish Shack on Nov. 17 is from 5-9:30 p.m. We’ve received great community support. It’s $20 for adults and $10 for students/kids, and small kids are free. We are serving homemade Chili, prepared by Hungry Jack. The band will perform from 5:30-6 p.m. There is to be Live and Silent auctions, dance from 8-9:30 p.m. Lots of stuff for kids. We will have face painting, bouncy jump, photo booth, snow cones and popcorn. We have a Facebook page set up for more info. It’s ‘Community Bash for Big Red Machine.’ Anyone can also contact Marvin Webb at 346-282-3867 or Dan Meaux at 281-536-1481 for more details or to buy tickets.”

The varsity band ensemble that will perform is the “Symphonic Band,” comprised of 56 student members for International Music Education Conference. Their debut concert is December 20 in Chicago at the McCormick Place Convention Center.

“I am so excited for our students to be performing new music. It is wonderful to think that when this is all done and the Midwest concert recordings are published, when people look up a new piece of band music, it will be our kids they are listening to,” Michael Lehew, Crosby High School Associate Director said, “Please support these talented, young musicians. They are so deserving of praise on what they have achieved!”

“What an honor for our Crosby High School Band to represent our community, school district and state on the world’s largest stage for instrumental music education.” said Knight “When you believe in kids and support them, anything is possible.”