High school band

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Abilene High School band director Aaron Tompkins for allowing my son the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to march in the Chicago McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and to experience the city of Chicago.

Mr. Tompkins took his students to Chicago in November. He takes his students on a trip like this every four years so that each student will have the opportunity to go. Not only did his students march in the parade that was broadcast nationally on WGN America, they also had three days of sightseeing and unforgettable experiences.

They went shopping in The Magnificent Mile district, enjoyed the Columbia College Band Bash-a formal welcome dinner and dance, ate at the Hard Rock Cafe, went to the Sears Tower, saw Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), ate Thanksgiving dinner on the Spirit of Chicago ship on Lake Michigan, took a tour of the city, ate at Ed Debevic’s, went to the Museum of Science and Industry, ate at and enjoyed a show at Medieval Times, and watched the Blue Man Group.

I would also like to thank Toby Weishaar, Atalie Tompkins and the sponsors that went and helped out with the students.

I think Mr. Tompkins should be recognized for his hard work, dedication to this school (and the Abilene Middle School) and to his students, and what he has done for this band program. He spends a lot of time making this program the superb program that it is. If you ever get the chance to listen to his students, do so. You will be amazed at the talent that’s there.

He deserves so much respect for what he does and will continue to do because of his love for what he does and his desire for the success of his students.

Mr. Tompkins-Thank you for all you do! I want you to know that what you do does not go unnoticed and that you are very much appreciated.

Thank you,

Kathy Jones

Abilene, Kans.

Dear Abilene,

I apologize for writing so late this month. Even though it is shorter than most months thanks to winter break, it is much more busy, especially since I'm trying to squeeze in a trip home for the holidays.

The holiday season has a much different character in Japan than in the U.S. There is much less Christmas music and advertisement besides for KFC, the most popular choice for Christmas dinner. I relish the chances I do get to hear Christmas music and occasionally sing it at karaoke.

Luckily this has meant that I get to introduce Christmas to my kindergarten and elementary classes as something entirely foreign and exciting.

My last kindergarten class resembled a holiday variety hour complete with singing and dancing and story time. Somehow, I can't think of a better way to get in the spirit. See you soon, Abilene.

Amanda Soelter

Ominata, Japan