This update serves as the first “official” Sunday update of the 2018-2019 band season. I cannot stress how important it is for parents and students to carefully read through this entire update. I also highly recommend reviewing the band member agenda booklet before tomorrow  - pages 14 and 17 especially.

 

Leaders, please check with your sections to make sure they receive this information. My fingers are crossed for not having to say ‘I told you so’ tomorrow!

 

#1. Week 1 – Recap:

Overall, week 1 was encouraging. As we “officially” get started tomorrow, here are a few noteworthy things to consider.

 

Positives:

• Strongest day 1 marching sessions in recent memory (visually), especially the majority of freshmen.

• Drumline – good start to the season on many fronts. Keep it going – this is when it gets challenging every year.

• Leaders & Drum Majors – great job with taking initiative and stepping up when needed.

 

Suggestions/Improvement Areas:

• Way too many last minute excuses, unexplained absences, and general unpreparedness (wrong clothing, missing music, or other things already explained in the member agenda).

• Those who step off the field during marching basics are sitting out for way too long. Better to come off and on and make progress than to waste an entire session.

• More energy/enthusiasm is needed.
  

#2. Week 2 – Program Goals:

This week’s goals:

[ ] Introduce all marching fundamentals

    > Determine halftime show shadows

[ ] School Songs (introduce, refine, & memorize)

[ ] Finalize part assignments & music rehearsal seating

[ ] Stands music - Tier 1 Music

     > Work toward memorization

[ ] Pass out  & start on show music

[ ] Sectionals (introduce, go over expectations)

[ ] Team Building/Ice Breakers

[ ] Parade Basics (formation, spacing, turns, start w/basic distance)

[ ] Test new stadium stands seating (to give time for adjustments)

[ ] Drill Chart Reading 101 (Monday 8/13 will be first drill rehearsal)

 

#3. Band Camp Specific Rules/Information: (**new info for 2018**)

• YOU MUST EAT BREAKFAST!

• Belongings: When you come into the band room, put your belongings in any locker. Lockers will be assigned starting next week. You may bring a lock, but it must not stay on overnight. Cases must be away except when opening/closing them.

• Freshmen Shirts: Freshmen need to remember to wear white shirts this week. This will help the band staff give you extra help with marching.

• Heat/Moving Quickly: The heat is going to be very strong this week. We will break up outdoor rehearsals into smaller chunks so we have frequent opportunities to cool off. This means we need to move quickly from inside to outside. If we are not moving quickly enough… we will either start parading over, or have to give more frequent water breaks (neither scenario is very helpful, just move quickly).

• Lunch: You will not have time to leave campus for lunch during band camp this year. We have too much material to cover. Please plan to pack a lunch and bring extra snacks.

• Hallways/Off Limit Areas: Nobody can be in the hallways past the gymnasium area. I have spoken with those working at the school this summer and they will notify me immediately if band members are seen. If you have to be somewhere other than the band room area, you must ask and be escorted (or have a written note from us).

• Music Binders: We will be checking every instrumentalist and drumline member for complete music binders by the end of this week. See your section leader for assistance.

• Water: We will be providing water during outdoor marching sessions.

• NO FOOD OR DRINKS OTHER THAN WATER are allowed in the band room. Eating/Rest Areas: We will create eating spaces in 690 and 694 (both rooms are air conditioned). Please avoid eating in the hallways.

• Closing Times: The band room, 690, and 694 will be closing immediately following band camp rehearsals at 4 PM. Please plan to be picked up or leave. The sooner we are able to get back to work after rehearsal to plan/prepare for the following rehearsals, the better off the band will be. If we will be staying open later, we will let you know.

• EAT BREAKFAST!!!
   

#4. Student Deadlines/To-Do List:

Monday, 8/6:

[ ] Eat breakfast

[ ] Submit band agenda agreement sheet (yellow paper)

[ ] Join all of the Remind groups you apply to (see Agenda Page 7)

[ ] Log in to Charms & update personal info

[ ] Turn in excused absence forms for ANY upcoming absences
Tuesday, 8/7:

[ ] Submit Health Information Form (distributing to upperclassmen tomorrow)

Wednesday, 8/8:

[ ] Complete music binder (instrumentalists/drumline)

 

#5. Band Website:

The band website has had a major update. You should see a new home page, a Donate/Sponsor page for referring potential donors, and the Member’s Area has been updated with changes to our stands music rotation. Additional music and other files will be posted later this evening.

 

#6. Pom – Schedule Confirmation:

Please plan to attend all band camp rehearsals this week. This is to allow the team to begin conditioning and learning stand dances so the new coach can focus more time on show/pep rally starting next week. You will be supervised by and report to Coach Jen (Color Guard). More information will be coming to you throughout the week. Again, I can’t say much more until after the August 13 board meeting.

 

#7. Weekly Schedule/Weather:

Monday, August 6:

• Full Band, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Mostly Sunny, 91° (feels like 103°)

• UV Index 9/10

Tuesday, August 7:

• Full Band, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • B&B Marching Shoe Fitting 11:30 AM (during lunch)

  • Regular shoes $36, Super Drillmasters $39 (offers more support)

• Partly Sunny, 90° (feels like 100°)

• UV Index 9/10

Wednesday, August 8:

• Full Band, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Partly Sunny w/possible PM storms, 91° (feels like 101°)

• UV Index 8/10

Thursday, August 9:**:

• Full Band, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Partly Sunny, 88° (feels like 96°)

• UV Index 9/10

**May give Thursday off depending on Monday-Wednesday’s progress so staff can prepare the next phase of band camp. This will be announced at the latest during lunch on Wednesday.

 

#8. Peach Bowl – Final Update For Now

Thank you to 93% of the band program for filling out the Peach Bowl survey. The school board will make the final decision on the trip on Monday, August 13. Depending on the outcome, I will follow up immediately with more information.

 

#9. Parent Updates

 

“Beats from the Boosters”

Welcome to the 2018-2019 season of band! It’s shaping up to be a great year – we are already digging into uniforms and getting things organized for the fall. Can’t wait to have you join in and help! There are many opportunities! The weekly email will give you a rundown of what is going on, then head on over to Charms to sign up to volunteer. It couldn’t be easier.

• We will need volunteers in the next few weeks DURING band camp to fit our members with uniforms! Will let you know dates soon.

• Band cookout – August 23rd – 1pm

  • We (Boosters) are providing meats/buns for the cookout (there is a sign up if your child is vegetarian – we have options!)

  • Each instrument section has been assigned food – see below & have your child sign up in the band room

    • Trombone/Baritone/Tuba – Condiments

    • Trumpet/Mellophone – Fruit

    • Drumline – Drinks

    • Flute/Clarinet – Cookies and/or Brownies

    • Saxophone/Colorguard – Chips

    • Pom/Baton – Paper Products

  • Opportunities - Help cook dogs and burgers with Mark; Set-up and organize the foodstuff

• Fundraisers going on currently:

  • Wa-Wa hoagie cards

  • Scrips Gift card fundraiser – did you know there are over 700 businesses to choose from?! You can find the order form on Charms!

• Upcoming Fundraisers:

  • September 24th – Georgia House dinner – students will be given tickets to sell before school starts

  • October is for Krispy Kreme Donuts! The volume of donuts that we sell is UNBELIEVABLE! And not to mention DELICOUS!

• These fundraisers help to decrease the total cost of trips planned for the band and help to keep the band running smoothly.

• Email us below if you need any of the fundraiser order forms/fliers.

• Make sure you have signed up and/or downloaded the Charms app. It is our go-to for volunteering and planning around calendar events!

• Next Booster meeting – 8/14 at 6:30 in the band room. Come join us as we debrief Fair parking, line up uniform fittings, get set for football season, and so much more!

 

If you have questions about a volunteer opportunity, contact us at ravensmusicboosters@gmail.com

 

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That is all for this week.

 

If you will be replying to this email, please copy G. Batten (grace.batten@sussexvt.k12.de.us) on your response.

 

Thank you & have a great week,

- Mr. Kenney