2015 Band Camp, Fees, Forms, Etc.

I hope everyone is having a relaxing and enjoyable summer! We had a great camp at Huntingdon a few weeks ago and were exposed to some high-quality teaching. Hopefully you've been practicing some of the techniques you learned! Plans for the upcoming school year are underway and I am very excited. Below are a few announcements so that everyone will be up to date. All of the deadlines are listed on the calendar on the band website. 




1. 2015-16 Band Members

If you are reading this email, then I have you on my marching band class roll. Please reply now if this is incorrect. Keep in mind that because of the size of our organization, any drops in our numbers at this point in my planning process will have an immediate effect on our season. If you are still on the fence, it's time to decide. Please do not assume that I already know. 




2. Money

Band fee = $50 per child (+$35 for 2nd child) 

Bus fee = $100 per child. In an effort to save money to purchase new uniforms in the near future, the Band Boosters decided at our winter meeting that we would take cars to all away games this year but still pay the bus fee. 

You can send one check for $150 or split into 2 payments of $75 if you wish. The deadline for the first payment is Friday, Aug. 28th. The second payment is due Friday, Oct. 2nd. Please do not send cash.


Other fees:

School Instrument Usage Fee = $35 per semester. This only applies to students using school instruments. This fee is to help cover the cost of regular maintenance to those school instruments. Any other costs for repairs/accidents are the responsibility of the student. An instrument check-out form will be signed by the student, parent, and myself. Fee for 1st semester (marching season) is due by Aug. 28th. Fee for 2nd semester (concert season) is due by Jan. 8th. 

New shoes = $25. Only if you need them. I have a few hand-me-downs in my office. Shoes must be paid for before I can order them. 




3. Paperwork

Please fill out the emergency form on the band website (fill out online here). You also need to bring a copy of your health insurance card and the field trip release (print off here) with you to band camp. All 3 of these items are due Monday, August 3rd. It is very important that I have emergency info for everyone the first day of camp.




4. Uniforms

If you would like to have the same band uniform again, please let me know. Uniform fittings will be12:30-5:30 Tuesday, July 21st. Everyone will need a uniform to wear for pictures on Aug. 7th.




5. Water

For band camp, each family should bring 1 case of water. You can bring this with you to uniform fittings or by Monday, August 3rd.





6. Camp Schedule Reminder

Below is the schedule I sent via email on May 4th. 

August 3-7th 8:00-5:30 (Picture Day is Fri., Aug. 7th.)

August 10th 3:00-6:00 

August 11th 3:00-5:15 (Open House 6:00) 

Daily band camp attendance is mandatory! This is a very short band camp compared to our schedule the past couple years. You must be here to learn what to do.




7. ***School Rehearsal Schedule*** Please Read!

After school rehearsals will be every Wednesday and Thursday until 5:00. We will rehearse after school beginning Wed., Aug. 12th. Parents, please remember this schedule when you are making doctors’ appointments and other plans.

Wednesdays are sacred band days. All athletes and any student involved in any other curricular or extra-curricular activity must come to band every Wednesday – no exceptions. Unfortunately, the schedule won’t allow for this every day. Remember that band goes on your report card because it is a co-curricular class (meaning, there are requirements outside of regular class times that are either a product or continuation of our band curriculum). Exhaust every resource to be at school and all after-school rehearsals, especially on Wednesdays. Tuesday is the best day of the week if you have to make doctor appointments, etc. during school hours.




8. Health

Keep yourself in shape! Upper body (arms, chest) and core exercises (especially abdominals and lower back), running/cardio, and eating healthy foods are all good things to do to get ready for band camp. Begin acclimating your body to the heat as well. Spend a little time outside each day. Band is more enjoyable when your body is able to perform the things band requires it to do!

Remember to practice your instrument! With less time for camp, we will hit the ground running the first day. Be ready. Halftime music and recordings are posted to Members Only. I am working on a new packet of warmups & technique exercises and will try to hurry up and finish so I can post those as well.


If your instrument needs a checkup or repair, please tend to that BEFORE band camp.


I will send another email of things to bring to band camp in the next couple of weeks. 

See you August 3rd!