What parents of ”rookie” students want to know about high school band but have no idea who to ask?!?
Have no fear! Read on....
QUESTION: What kind of commitment is my student making for marching band?
ANSWER: In order to march in the fall show (“show” is the term the band uses for the performance at half-time on Friday night), a student must participate in the following:
- Pre-band camp (for rookie band students, this camp takes place about 3 weeks before school– veterans have a different schedule).
- Band camp (a few weeks before the start of school) is required of all marching band students.
- Marching band practice (after school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays) during marching season, plus other practices or sectionals – particularly for percussion and color guard.
- Students are encouraged to stay after school on rehearsal days to do homework and get a snack before rehearsal begins.
- Students must also be enrolled in band class during school.
In addition to performing half-time at the Dutch Fork Football games, marching band members participate in several competitions during the fall. These may include overnight trips.
Report times for band events vary and will be announced to the students as the season continues. Watch www.silverspiritband.org for more information on times and dates as the season progresses!
QUESTION: What kind of commitment am I making as a parent/guardian?
ANSWER: Band is unlike most student organizations in high school. Band involves every family. When your student joins the band, so do their parents/guardians. Every parent/guardian is automatically a Dutch Fork Band Booster. The Dutch Fork Band Boosters are ALWAYS in need of parent volunteers! If you have not signed up yet, send an e-mail to a band booster officer or band director.
QUESTION: What about fees?
ANSWER: Participation in the Dutch Fork Silver Spirit Marching Band is not cheap. The Director and Band Booster Executive Board work together each year to develop a budget that adequately funds the operations in the program. The expected fees for the 2009-2010 year will likely be $350.00. This “Fee” is called a “Band Quota” it represents the absolute minimum required per student to fund band operations. The “Band Quota” is not something to be afraid of! Do not let the amount discourage you from letting your student participate! Be aware, the Quota does NOT represent the full amount in the Band Booster budget. Additional fund raising is essential and almost required to fully fund the band.
For our 8th grade students, the band fee is reduced. The reduction amount is typically half. Therefore, you should expect a Quota (fee) of $175.00.
QUESTION: Can we raise money for fees?
ANSWER: YES! YES! YES! In fact, the preferred method of paying your “Band Quota” is through fund raising activities! We would rather have students raise all of the money using the programs available. This effort will cause you and your student to develop a sense of ownership in the program.
QUESTION: Does my student need to audition to be in band?
ANSWER: At present, students are not required to audition to be in the Dutch Fork band. Students will be placed in classes based on the level of participation that they have selected and based upon grade level. In the near future, it is hoped that auditions will be employed as a method to more accurately place students in ensembles that suit their ability.
QUESTION: What about color guard and percussion?
ANSWER: Other special groups that audition are used to determine placement – percussion & color guard. During the spring, auditions for color guard & percussion will take place. Stay tuned in middle school band class and www.silverspiritband.org for details.
Please be aware that Color Guard and percussion have additional rehearsal commitments both in the summer and during school. If your student is involved in those sections, more information will be provided to you.
QUESTION: Does my student have to play an instrument to be in Color Guard?
ANSWER: While many members of the Color Guard are band students also, it is not a requirement. Any student can audition for Color Guard and those students are not required to take band classes. There are additional rehearsal commitments and fees for Color Guard members. This information will be communicated during auditions.
QUESTION: When will my student get a chance to participate?
ANSWER: Every student will participate! There is a place in the Dutch Fork Silver Spirit Band fro each and every student who has the desire to be the program.
QUESTION: What are these funny terms the band keeps using?!?
ANSWER: Band Forms: A series of forms that each band member/parent/guardian must fill out and submit at the beginning of the season. These forms include things like a health form, permission to participate, letter of commitment, etc. Band Forms are required to be filled out and submitted so the Director, Boosters and staff can adequately provide the teaching and services that our students require.
Show – The marching band show is a combination of the music that is played at halftime/competitions and the drill (spots/positions) that the band marches. This show is written especially for our band each year and has specific places for each individual student.
Band Booster Meeting – All band parents are automatically members of Band Boosters. The Dutch Fork Band Boosters meet monthly, generally on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. The Executive Board (Elected Officers and Committee chairs meet at 6:30 PM). Check the Calendar at www.silverspiritband.org for exact dates, times and locations. All parents are invited to attend and observe and participate.
Rookie – Any new band member, regardless of year in school. Most rookies are incoming freshman. This term is also applied to parents of incoming band members, for example, “Rookie Parent.” The Dutch Fork Band welcomes all rookies!
Pit/Pit Crew – The pit is the stationary percussion equipment and players that sits on the sideline. The Pit Crew is a group of parent volunteers who assist in moving equipment and setting up the field before a performance and take down after performances.
QUESTION: So what do we do now?
ANSWER: After reading this, you are interested in participating, you have only four things that you need to do:
1. Have your student sign up for band class on his or her 9th grade class request form. Students will be placed in classes based on their grade level and choice to participate in Marching Band at Dutch Fork.
2. Attend a regular Booster Meeting. See what this Band Thing is all about! Ask questions! Get involved! We need you!
3. Participate in Dutch Fork band fundraisers. This can not be stressed enough. Without fund raising, the band program will not function at a level that is as beneficial as possible.
4. Get ready for an exciting 4 years as a Dutch Fork Band parent! |
