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Dear
Regiment Parents:
This
information is designed to answer as many questions as we can prior to getting
into the heart of our summer schedule.
We realize there are so many elements that are unknown; we have
attempted to answer as many questions as possible through this format. We will have a series of FAQ’s to
educate and inform our members (parents and students) throughout the early part
of our year. When you have a question
that does not appear in these documents, please ask – chances are others are
wondering the same thing. Thank
you in advance for your participation and we look forward to working with you
and your family – Brad/Jessica.
If you
noticed that the above paragraph was not signed Brad/Steven – it is because
Steven has decided to return to ULL to finish his masters degree in percussion
performance. He has given us 5
years of exceptional teaching, calm leadership and Christian influence. He will be missed on a daily basis –
but we are fortunate that he has agreed to stay on in the role of
arranger/percussion consultant/winter drum line supervisor. We will still benefit from his
knowledge and professionalism.
Jessica
Timmer was appointed to the position of Assistant Band Director on June 7th. She comes to us from completing her
Masters Degree in Music from Murray State University in Murray, KY. She was chosen out of a pool of 13
candidates, and brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to our band specializing
in woodwinds and technology. I
know you will all welcome her to our family.
Terrier
Regiment Summer Rehearsal Calendar, 2011
July 5th/7th/12th/14th
Wind
Sectionals/Ensemble, Band Hall/Kolb Center, 6 to 8 PM.
July 11th to 14th –
Percussion Camp, 8 AM to 2 PM
July 15th – Student Staff to
Leadership Training in Lafayette
July 16th – Band Hall/Field Prep –
Students and Parents
July 17th – Mass at St. Francis,
Entire Band Invited to Attend Together, 5:30 PM
July 18th to 22nd – Band
Camp at Vandebilt, 8 to 4 PM (students bring lunch)
July 25th to 28th – Band
Camp at Vandebilt, 12 to 8 PM (students bring dinner)
July 28th – Family Night at Band
Camp, 6 PM (Dinner and Camp Performance)
FAQ’s –
Band Camp
What do
the kids need to bring for lunch? The best type of lunch has proven
to be something cold and light.
Sandwiches, chips, fruit, salads – those kinds of lunches. Heavier foods (pasta’s pizza,
leftovers) tend to “return” during the summer work. We ask the parents not to bring fast food lunches to the
students, the kids should bring their lunches when they arrive – and have them
labeled.
Is Camp
Mandatory? – Yes.
What
happens if my child misses band camp? Students missing camp will have the
opportunity to select another elective for the upcoming school year. The guidance office will take care of
helping the student select a course offering that interests them, and they will
also assist in changing their schedule.
What will
we learn at camp? – We use
the camp to prepare our competitive show, as well as prepare for other fall
performances (national anthem, alma mater, pep rallies, etc…). We also use this opportunity to teach
rehearsal procedure, so we can always strive to use our time effectively. While we are working together, we are
also learning about each other, making friends, and learning how to work
together in a positive/productive manner.
What is an
excused absence? – Our
interpretation of an excused absence is consistent with the definition found in
the student handbook: illness,
death in the family. Please avoid
scheduling medical appointments during camp. It is imperative, especially for our new members, to get
acclimated to our procedure and work ethic as quickly as possible. That can only be accomplished by working
together.
What is a
typical day of camp like? – During
the first week, the mornings begin at 8 AM, so the students should arrive
around 7:30 so they can prepare their instruments, get things set up and be
ready to begin on time. We will
meet as a group in the band hall – for morning prayer – then discuss objectives
for the day. During the morning rehearsal block, we will focus on motion: how to march, how to march and play,
and learning our set positions for our field show. Each student may have as many as 80 to 100 set positions to
learn in the fall program. The
afternoon rehearsal block focuses on the music for the musicians, and
choreography/routine for the dancers and guard. Musically, we will learn the fundamental aspects of tone
production, technical exercises, music for the field show, in addition to the
music we use for our other responsibilities. The afternoon may also include field time, where we bring
the music and movement together to conclude the day’s rehearsal. Each rehearsal ends with a moment to
recap the day and discuss the next rehearsal. After the students are dismissed, they are responsible for
making sure the facility is clean and their equipment is stored properly. Once that is done, they are dismissed
for the day.
Are
visitors allowed at camp? –
Absolutely. We would like to
define “visitors” as family members, as opposed to romantic interests or close
friends (they can be a distraction).
If we are rehearsing inside, quietly enter the band hall, walk all the
way in and stand against the walls to listen. If we are outside, anywhere on the sidelines from the end
zone to thirty yard line is a great place to observe. We have bleachers set up on the front sideline, and you can
also use the stairwell and landings on the backside of the field.
What
happens if my child gets sick? We will have at least one nurse at
every band camp rehearsal. If your
child gets sick, they should notify a staff member – who will escort them to
the nurse’s station. The nurse
will consult your child’s medical form, and assess his/her condition. It may be that they need fluids, or
crackers to settle their stomach.
It may be that the nurse will need to call the parents. Once a child reports to the nurse, it
is up to the nurse when the child returns – not the child, and not the
staff. As you can imagine,
“feeling sick” could easily become an opportunity to watch a rehearsal, instead
of participating in one. Keep in
mind; we will have children sit out on occasion. However, we want to make sure the students learn where their
limits are – and what they can tolerate while being productive. The method has worked for us in the
past, and I anticipate it working for us again.
What
happens if my child needs to take medicine during the day?
Our nurses ask that inhalers be kept with the students during
rehearsals. Any other questions can
be answered by the medical staff on the first day of camp.
Do I need
to send water with my child to camp? No, we will hydrate them every 45 to 55
minutes while outside. We mandate
students drink two glasses of fluid on every break.
What
happens if my child is late to rehearsal? If it is not a regular occurance, we
will ask students arriving late to make up the lost time providing service to
the band, which could be assisting in work around the facility. If a student is habitually late, we may
confer with the parents regarding a schedule change.
What
happens if I don’t return my childs’ medical form?
No students will participate until their medical form is complete and
turned in. We will let parents
know if we have not received their form.
Sometimes they get placed in the wrong mailbox, so we will work with you
to make sure we have what we need before we begin camp rehearsals.
What
should my child wear to camp?Light
colored clothes, made from a breathable material. Students are required to wear a hat while rehearsing
outside, appropriate level sun screen applied to their skin, socks, sneakers,
and shorts. Students may not wear
jeans, boots, flip flops, toms, or be hatless. Students that do not have a hat will
not participate and it will be regarded as an unexcused absence until they have
a hat. I also ask that clothing
with messages be appropriate and not offensive, or in opposition to the
teachings of our faith. The
students may wear flip flops while in music sectionals or ensemble – just not
onto the field. We do ask students
to not walk around barefoot. Tank
tops are acceptable for girls, however – we ask that girls not wear white
t-shirts. There may be times we
rehearse in a light rain.
What is
“Family Night at Band Camp”? – It is
held on the last night night of camp, July 28th, at 6 PM. It is a BBQ Dinner for our students,
staff, and families. There is no
charge. It is a time for people to
meet each other, socialize, and watch the final camp performance of our
band. It is a relaxed evening,
with casual wear.
Do we need
parents to volunteer for camp?
– Yes, we always need parent assistance.
In this packet, you will find information regarding how you can assist
the band booster organization in supporting our students. Refer to that information, and contact
the appropriate individuals regarding helping at camp. Ms. Susan Snyder is our band booster
president – and she can direct you to whatever area you wish to volunteer. Also, you may see that we do not have
an area that matches your talents – but could be a benefit to the band. Please give us a call.
Will there
be any hazing/initiation for the new members? – No.
When will
the uniforms be sized?That
process will begin during camp. We
will begin with our seniors, and continue according to seniority. Uniforms will be kept on campus, and we
will dry clean them as necessity dictates. Instructions will be given as to the process involved in
distributing and returning uniforms as our first performance nears.
Can my
child have a cell phone at camp? Yes, however – it may not be powered up
during rehearsals. I suggest
students keep the cell phones on them, because we cannot guarantee security at
all times. Please make sure
your child understands that using a cell phone during rehearsal is unacceptable
and unnecessary. If the
temptation may be too much for your child, they can keep their cell phone in my
office from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
What is
the band fee and when does it have to be paid?
There is a fee for membership, and it is $350 for new members. The band fee is used to help defray the
costs of creating our show, hiring staff members, cover camp costs, and
diminish the need for excessive fund raising without changing the quality of our
program. The fee, while not
inexpensive, is certainly reasonable when looking at the fees charged by band
programs with similar depth of involvement and caliber. We take care to use our funds
effectively.
What is
the payment schedule for band fees?
New
Members Veteran
Members
July 15th, $100 July
15th, $100
August
15th, $100 August
15th, $100
September
15th, $100 September
15th, $85
October
15th, $50
When is
the first performance? Friday,
September 2nd in Thibodaux, LA at EDW HS.
Can I get
pictures of my child in uniform? Yes, we are working to schedule a day
for still shots – that can be made into buttons. As we finalize this information, we will communicate it to
you.
What if my
child decides they may not want to be in band? The first
thing I would suggest is to ask them to complete their first year, with energy
and a full commitment – so they can fully understand everything the
organization has to offer. Once
they get involved, chances are they will enjoy themselves, be surrounded by
friends and want to remain.
Suggestions
made by veteran students /parents/and nurses:
Arrive
to rehearsal 15 minutes early, this gives you time to get organized and not
feel rushed.
Have
everything you bring clearly labeled.
Ask
questions when you don’t know something
Get
sleep during camp weeks, do not stay up late at night after rehearsals.
While
you can use milk on your cereal, do not drink glasses of milk before
rehearsals.
Do
not use an excessive amount of “icy hot” type creams if you are sore – this has
proven to be dangerous.
If
you need another copy of something, ask.
It’s good to have a duplicate set of coordinates, drill book, music
should you lose something.
Bring
flip flops for afternoon rehearsals.
Light/cold
lunches, nothing heavy.
Do
not wear black clothing. Light
weight, colored clothes work best.
Drink
fluids at every break.
Ladies
– avoid straps, they will eat into your skin.
Contact
Information:
Band Office # is 876.0745
Email
is director@vcband.org
Website
is www.vcband.org
Thank you in advance for your
participation. We are looking
forward to a great and exciting year.
If we can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call. See you very soon – Brad/Jesse
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