| PIONEER BANDS DO MORE THAN TEACH MUSIC |
Music plays an integral role in the development of a students mental capacities. This fact is irrefutable but it is by no means the entire story. There are numerous ancillary benefits that a program with the depth and caliber of Pioneer High School Bands provides to it's members. I know this because I witnessed for myself how the various elements of the program helped to transform adolescent musicians into responsible and mature young adults. These benefits are worthy of recognition and the program that produces them is worthy of support.
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Is case there is any doubt about my connectiontion to Pioneer High School Bands and the Pioneer Band Association, I will go ahead and spell it out. My honorable son Kyle Wallner, class of 2005 and my precious daughted Gretchen Wallner, class of 2008. Actually, I will identify one more thread of connection in the person of Louise Wallner, my beloved wife of 28 years and Music Teacher since 1974. As a member of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Music Staff, Louise is colleague to and friend of the Pioneer Music Staff.
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| Kyle at Interlochen 2005 |
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| Gretchen at Interlochen 2007 |
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Now that you know how I am connected to Pioneer High School Bands, allow me to say;
"Nothing in the course of 13 years in the Ann Arbor Public Schools meant more to my children than the lessons and experiences that came to them as members of the Pioneer Bands!"
This may sound like an exaggeration, but trust me, it is not. From the first day Kyle packed off to Band Camp in August 2001 to the final concert Gretchen played in May 2008, both of these students experienced things that substantially formed their character and created memories that will last a lifetime.
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I consider the work of the Pioneer Band Teachers and the traditions of the Pioneer Band Program to be worthy of my support. I know that without the efforts (especially fundraising) of the Pioneer Band Association, many students would be unable to participate in various elements and the program itself would suffer. For these reasons I chose to be an active member of the PBA during the seven years one of my kids attended PHS. I became the unofficial "car wash king" from 2004 through 2007 by volunteering to take on the responsibility of Event Chairperson for those consecutive four years. When the Gala was introduced as a fundraising event I began a tradition of donating a week long stay at one of the deluxe beach/golf resorts that comprise the Grand Mayan chain in Mexico.
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A review of the past four Gala Auctions would reveal that bidding for the "Grand Mayan Trip" has been one of the highlights of the evening. Each year this item by itself has raised approximately $1,000.00. I am happy to report that the tradition continues for Gala 2010. This year I have secured a Grand Mayan Master Suite (two bedroom/two bathroom deluxe resort condo) in Acapulco, Mexico for the week of April 2 to 9. As in the past, the winning bidder can either take this week or change it to any other week or location that is available.
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I am grateful to be able to support the PBA and the many students who might otherwise be left out of life-changing experiences. I am also grateful for the opportunity to support PBA Family and Friends with personalized real estate services. Whether you are buying, selling, investing, renting or just have questions about your real estate holdings, contact me for straight answers and unparalleled service.
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