2015 Band Camp Checklist & Reminders

1. Band Camp Checklist:
-Don't skip breakfast!
-instrument
-flip folder & lyre
-2-3 extra reeds, valve oil, slide grease, sticks
-water cooler/jug
-lace-up tennis shoes and socks - No sandals, Toms, etc. 
-deodorant
-sunscreen
-sunglasses
-hat
-water/gatorade
-healthy snacks for short breaks (trail mix, granola bars, nuts, fresh fruit/veggies, yogurt, jerky, etc.)
-lunch *See below about Subway*
-medical necessities (epi pen, inhaler, etc. - Make sure I know about these!)
-wear light, breathable clothing  

LEAVE AT HOME:
-energy drinks
-gum/candy/junk food
-Phones will go in the phone box during rehearsals.

If you need any music supplies listed above you can get them at Cole Band, or you can wait and I will make a shopping list the first day of camp (meaning you would have to do without for a day or two). Please check to be sure your instrument is in working condition and have it serviced if necessary before camp.


2. Due by Monday, Aug. 3rd (1st Day of Camp):
Our treasurer appreciates when you write separate checks for different things.
-Emergency Form (send on website here)
-Field Trip Form (print off from website here)
-Copy of insurance card
-1 case of water
-$25 if you ordered shoes — *Must pay before I can order*  

Due by Friday, Aug. 28th:
-First half of fees ($75)
-$35 instrument fee (if using a school-owned instrument)  

Due by Friday, Oct. 2nd:
-Second half of fees ($75)


3. Camp Schedule & Attendance
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so we can begin instruction on time each day. Daily attendance is mandatory. You may not leave campus once you get here, so remember to bring your lunch.
Mon., Aug. 3 through Fri., Aug. 7 — 8:00-5:30
Mon., Aug. 10 — 3:00-6:00
Tues., Aug. 11 — 3:00-5:15
Wed., Aug. 12 — after-school practice until 5:00
Thurs., Aug. 13 — after-school practice until 5:00


4. Scheduling — This is an important section. Please read it carefully. 
We are very blessed to have such a small school with so many different opportunities for student involvement at PA. I do encourage you to immerse yourself in our school culture to discover and hone your abilities, but please involve yourself responsibly.

All performance and rehearsal dates & times for the entire school year are now listed on the Google calendar on the band website here. This calendar is available to you at all times and is accurate 24/7. I will let you know immediately if there are any changes to it. Hopefully there will be none, but rescheduling of other school events does happen and sometimes we get bumped. I encourage you to sync this calendar with your phone.

The only excused absences from PERFORMANCES are student illness or a death in the family. All other foreseen absences from ANY PERFORMANCE for the 2015-16 school year must be approved by me no later than Friday, August 28th. The schedule for the entire school year is posted on the calendar. Two possible dates for PTO/Fish Fry are listed because I am waiting to hear back about that. Excused performances can be "made up" for up to 75% credit by submitting a 2-page typed report to me. The complete band grading policy can be found here on the band website. Remember that this is a CO-curricular class, meaning, there are curricular requirements outside of regular class times.

After-school rehearsals will be every Wednesday and Thursday until 5:00. Please remember this schedule when you are making doctors' appointments and other plans. Wednesdays are the only day of the week we are able to have the whole band together to rehearse. ALL band members MUST come to band every Wednesday — no exceptions. Exhaust every resource to be at school and all after-school rehearsals, especially on Wednesdays. Tuesday is the best day of the week to make appointments.


5. Uniforms
I think all but 2 people have a uniform now. If you need alterations, remember NO CUTTING and NO IRONING! If you still have not turned in uniform parts from last year, I need them back ASAP. For instance, we are missing about 15 hats that have disappeared over the years.


6. Band Booster Meeting
Our first Band Booster meeting will be Tuesday, Aug. 4th at 5:30. Please plan to attend as we generally only have 2-3 meetings per year. You will want to be there to sign up to work the concession stand (this goes by seniority and usually fills up fast). We will also pass out calendar & magazine fundraiser packets.


7. Subway Lunches
The majorettes will be taking orders for Subway boxed lunches on Tuesday and Thursday during band camp. Please consider supporting their fundraiser. Boxes are $8.50.


8. DCI Finals Party
The Band Council is hosting a DCI Finals watch party on Saturday, Aug. 8th from 4:30-9:00 in the band room. We will watch the livestream of Finals (the championship!) and enjoy some food, fellowship, and the (almost) end of band camp. Plan to come and have fun with your band family! You don't have to stay the entire time, but the higher-ranked corps perform at the end! More details about this during camp next week.


9. Final Thoughts
Play your instrument.
Start drinking water.
Play your instrument.
Sweat some.
Play your instrument!


We're going to have a great year! I can't wait to make music with all of you again next week. See you then!
--Mr. Jackson