I finally have a moment to reflect on a day that was full of amazing moments and a first. As I am finishing my 35th year of teaching, I can say that the last three years have been so gratifying.

I was so proud of a group of young people that was faced with a daunting testing schedule and multiple absences as we approached a high stakes performance.  Would they fold? Would they blame?  Would they make excuses?  No!  They were accountable to each other, and supported each other.  They looked for ways to put themselves and each other in the best positions for success.  And they trusted me and each other.

This produced a powerful performance on Saturday that was not perfect, but I believe affected our audience, which is always our ultimate goal.

So much of the credit for our success goes to an amazing group of students and parents who have been so supportive of my vision. So much so, that it is now OUR vision.

Cleveland HS Bands have accomplished things at the State Band Championships that have never been achieved by a PPS school thanks to this shared vision.

Thank you for making what is most likely my final stop in my career (not done yet, just don’t plan to go anywhere else) my most rewarding, professionally speaking.

– Mr. Riler

Join us for our final concert of the year, our Awards Concert, at 7pm on Wednesday.  We’ll be celebrating all of the fantastic performances of this past year, as well as saying goodbye to our seniors.  Admission is free.  We’ll join together for cake afterwards thanks to the Friends of Cleveland Bands.

Speaking of serving cake, we are in need of six volunteers to slice and distribute cake.

**We are requesting the parents of Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors volunteer for this easy task, so that our Senior parents can sit back, relax, and enjoy their child’s final CHS concert**

Please click here to sign up

Eat at Burgerville (SE 25th & Powell) this Wednesday from 5-8pm in support of Cleveland Band.  Mention us and they’ll donate 20% of your purchase to the FOCB.  You can even order ahead and use the promo code CLEVELANDBANDS to support us!

You’re invited to hear the CHS Jazz Ensemble compete at the OMEA State Jazz Band Championships this Saturday, May 18th at Mt. Hood Community College.  They perform at 4:35pm sharp, so get there 30 minutes early to allow yourself time to park and find seating.

Admission is $5/person at the door.  Kids under 12 are free.  You can read Mr. Riler’s full letter here.

• May 21 3:45 – 5:45pm
• May 28 3:45 – 5:45pm
• June 6  3:45 – 5:45pm
• June 7  3:45 – 5:15pm