The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is sending another high school band to our county’s capital. Through invitation, the Cathedral City High School (CCHS) Symphony Band will be leaving for Washington DC on Thursday, April 18, for their six day tour to perform in the International Music Festival. The CCHS Symphony Band held a performance Thursday, April 11, with an “American” theme in honor of their accomplishment. According to the PDUSD website, the performance included music by many famous American writers, such as William Schuman’s Chester Overture For Winds, Steven Bryant’s Dusk, and a trio of American Marches: Minuteman March by Pearson, National Emblem by Bagley, and Washington Post by Sousa. According to the PSUSD website, “The concert officially sends the CCHS Band off to Washington D.C. for a six day tour highlighted by a concert at the Lincoln Memorial and an evening concert at the Kennedy Center.” The Washington DC performances will be held on Monday, April 22. My pride is once again renewed in the music programs here in our valley. I firmly believe that art and the performing arts must go hand-in-hand with education for student success. The CCHS is the only high school band performing at the music festival. Great job CCHS Band! You can keep track of the CCHS Band at their YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/cchsbands, and on their Facebook page by searching for “Cathedral City High School Bands.”
In other educational news going around the valley, many schools are conducting their Standardized Testing and Reporting (STARS) testing. Students will be taking tests for hours a day. Please make sure that your child is getting plenty of sleep, eating a health breakfast, and goes to school with a positive attitude. Tests can be very strenuous on many students. Parents, please be understanding with our children during this time.
On April 20th, Desert Sands Unified School District (DSUSD) is holding California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) for 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. The CHSPE awards the student with the equivalent of a high school diploma. Students may use this option if they prefer to move on to college or enter in to the work force early. The CHSPE is held every third Saturday of the month starting at 7am and running all day. If interested, please call DSUSD at (760) 777-4200 for further information.
