What is Summer Band, and when does it start?

Summer Band practices are weekly voluntary rehearsals, held each Monday night during the summer from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  These rehearsals are designed for students to get going on the marching music, and also to begin learning how to march in preparation for Band Camp.  These practices are not mandatory because most people will take a vacation sometime during the summer; however, if students know they are going to be around, they are strongly encouraged to attend.  Incoming freshmen are also encouraged to attend right away so they can begin to make friends and get to know their fellow band members, because it’s a great advantage…it’s a relaxed atmosphere, and this way they don’t feel intimidated or uncomfortable at the beginning of school.

When will my student get music to practice?

Sometime during the early spring, Mr. Stalter and Ms. Yonker will pass out packets of music to each incoming 8^th grader and high school student…it includes all the music they need for the marching season, plus information sheets that you will need to fill out.  If it doesn’t come home by the end of April, ask your student for it, or contact us and we’ll be glad to make another packet.

When is Band Camp, and what happens during that week?

Band Camp is usually the first full week of August, and is the most important week of the marching band season.  This is the one time when we have the entire band together to work with expert staff to learn their marching drill and music, so it is vital that EVERYONE attend ALL of Band Camp.  Parents are encouraged to schedule all vacations and medical appointments around these days, which will be posted on the website.  Parents are also encouraged to volunteer to help during the week with water and food to get a hands on, up close look at everyone’s favorite week…BAND CAMP!!!

How do I find out when the marching competitions and home football games are?

Mr. Stalter and Ms. Yonker will publish a complete list of performances each semester; for the fall, the list will come home in the Band Camp letter, usually sent out in early July.  You can also access the information from the Band website, or from each student’s school calendar/handbook.  When the date for a specific competition nears, detailed itineraries will be published on the band web site and will also be e-mailed to all parents whose e-mail addresses are on file.  To get yours on file, simply e-mail Mr. Stalter or Ms. Yonker and we’ll add you to the list.

How do I know what is expected of my child during Band class?

Just click on the “syllabus” link on the band webpage, and it will take you right to all of the information about performances, grading, expectations, etc.

How do I get involved in supporting the Band?

All you have to do is come to a Music Booster meeting, or contact Mr. Stalter or Ms. Yonker, and we will be glad to pass on more information.  Booster meetings are the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the high school Music Building, and you can contact our Booster organization by clicking on the e-mail link on the Band homepage.

Why are performances mandatory…why can’t my student miss one?

Performances are the final “exam” that tests what students have learned up to that point.  We use performances to evaluate how the students are learning what we are teaching, and make adjustments accordingly.  Music is a performance-based art form, and unlike any other class, sometimes how the entire band does at a competition or concert depends on just one person in the group, and not having that person there affects everyone around them.

Can my student only sign up for one semester of band instead of the whole year?

Technically, the answer is yes.  However, we only recommend this option for students who have a genuine class conflict with Band that cannot be resolved by either independent study or a schedule change.  For example, students who are in marching band during the fall semester, but not concert band during the spring semester are missing a half year of teaching, preparation and experience, consequently they are not learning the tools necessary for their development as musicians, or to make them improve for the following marching season.  In addition, those students are less likely to be chosen for future leadership positions within the band because they have not demonstrated the same kind of commitment to the organization as other students.

What kind of special things do the kids get to do?

There are trips that involve the marching band and concert bands to bowl games and concert festivals…students can try out for District Band Festival…students can be nominated for participation in the Bradley University Honor Band…the Pep Band will usually travel to a special game or State Tournament appearance each year…field trips to special concerts at local universities…and the list goes on!