This just in from Glenn Hayes:
Hi Martha,
I wanted to give you a report on the Wisconsin School Music Association
State High School Marching Band Championships held on our campus yesterday,
October 21 at Perkins Stadium and the Kachel Fieldhouse.
This event brings over 3,000 school students to our campus every year.
Additionally, it brings an additional 7,000 parents and family members to
UW-W. I am unaware of any single day event that brings so many people from
throughout Wisconsin to our campus. This exposure is to so many potential
students and parents is literally priceless. Potential student athletes see
our facilities. Potential student musicians see our marching band. As one
example of the impact of this show on the entire campus, of the 16 members
of the flag corps, only one of them is a music major. All of the members
are from schools that have watched us perform at the state show.
Economically, the show contributes to the campus and community. Tom
Hinspatter, and his predecessors, have often mentioned how the State Show is
the biggest single day for Chartwells. Many local restaurant owners have
also mentioned to me the impact on their business of this day.
Although I would love to claim credit for this phenomenal campus event, I do
nothing singularly and wish to let you about the great people who make the
show happen. First and foremost, Bob Berezowitz had the faith and
willingness to support the venture. Without Bob’s belief in all the many
positive benefits the state show brings to our campus, it would not occur.
His willingness to convince the WIAA to keep the third Saturday of
October open at Perkins Stadium is crucial. Paul Plinske has also been a
supporter of the event. John, Mike and Mike of the athletic area grounds
crew are crucial.
Lou Zahn and her staff are absolutely invaluable. They are the ultimate "go
to" people and are crucial in facilitating the event.
Gary Harms and his staff are great helpers as we plan every year. Gary
communicates with all parties in the athletic area and grounds to make
certain that the show runs smoothly. Gary was the guiding force in
developing the "rain scenario" policy which we had to implement yesterday.
As we are always mindful of our stewardship of Perkins Stadium, the weather
forced us to move the show indoors to protect the field and prevent possible
injury. Gary had told me where to find the floor tape in case we needed it.
With the help of the participating directors, we had taped an 80 yard
marching surface and the AAAA bands actually marched their show in the
fieldhouse! Thanks to Gary’s help and foresight, the show only ran 45
minutes behind schedule. I went out to the field today and cleaned up the
straw we had spread to protect the entry area and move plywood from the
front sideline area that we had placed to protect the field. I also walked
across the field several times checking conditions. The field is in great
shape albeit a bit "moist". Knowing the expertise of the grounds crew, the
"Perk" will probably look like a putting green for the next home game in two
weeks.
Terri Meinel sets up the "souvenir shed", selling not only WSMA show shirts,
but also UW-W apparel. Her efforts truly help spread the UW-W name
throughout the thousands attending the event.
Bob Breckllin and his crew facilitate the use of parking facilities. When
you have over 150 large vehicles to park, you really depend on Bob and his
staff and they always come through.
The custodial crew worked non-stop for over 12 hours to make certain that al visitors to our campus had a positive image.
Lastly, I wish to commend the UW-W Campus Police. The professional demeanor
of our officers is now legendary throughout the state. I literally cannot
tell you how many people have commented to me about this. After having to
call the show inside, Sgt. Matt Schwartz was immediately asking how they
could help. The two people in charge of the show could not stop
complimenting the way in which our officers handled every situation with
courtesy and professionalism. I could not agree more.
If I begin to list how the band alumni and the current band students help
with the show, I would clog the email route.
I hope this gives you an idea of the impact hosting the state show has on
our campus and the image that the participants and their parents and
educators carry back with them throughout the state. All of the people
listed above are the truly responsible ones. The aforementioned members of
the UW-W community make us look good to thousands and thousands of potential
students and taxpayers. By staying close to our mission and being willing
to work together they allow our reputation to go far. I thank them with all
of my heart.
Sincerely,
Glenn
Director of Bands
