2015-2016 Class of 2019 New Member Information Packet CONCERT BAND SYMPHONIC BAND WIND ENSEMBLE MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD JAZZ BANDS WINTER GUARD INDOOR DRUMLINE Information for rising ninth graders about joining the Milton High School band program
WHAT IS HIGH SCHOOL BAND? When students join the MHS Band program, they are placed into one of three concert band classes that meet daily as part of the six period academic schedule. Unlike middle school band, each of the three band classes has a mix of 9 th - 12 th grade students, and they are ability based. Most freshmen are placed into the Concert Band (intermediate), but some advanced players will be placed into the Symphonic Band (advanced) and Wind Ensemble (mastery). All students who sign up for band class will receive class placement materials and information at NMS and EPMS early in the spring. Band class placement auditions will take place on Thursday, April 2 nd from 4:00-8:00PM at MHS. The class placement hearing is nothing to worry about; we have a place for everyone, regardless of ability or experience and want to make sure everyone is put into the correct class. Nobody will be cut. Above: The MHS Wind Ensemble performs at the annual fall concert. All three bands perform 3-4 concerts a year and regularly participate in GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluations. Students enrolled in band classes also have the option to take a private lesson during their band class once a week with a private lesson instructor.
THE MILTON HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND MARCHING BAND REGISTRATION INFORMATION All band students must sign up for band class to be eligible to participate in the extra- curricular Milton High School marching band. Marching band begins in July with practices at the school and at our marching band camp. Once school begins, the marching band rehearses after school from August through the end of football season in early November. While all prospective members are required to attend a few practice sessions in the spring, these are not formal auditions and nobody will be cut. The practice sessions are used to place each student on the appropriate drum (for percussion), give the students an opportunity to perform with the high school band, and play on a marching instrument (for brass players). For the colorguard (flags), the auditions will be a time to get everyone familiar with the flag equipment used. To be a member of the colorguard, no experience or band class is required, so feel free to encourage your friends not currently in band to audition for this group. The mandatory marching band interest/informational meeting for parents will take place on Tuesday, March 31 st at 7:30PM at MHS. Registration for both marching and concert bands is Monday, May 4 th from 4:00 8:00PM in the MHS band room.
MARCHING BAND WOODWIND AND BRASS SECTIONS Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet, French Horn (Mellophone), Trombone, Baritone, Tuba (Sousaphone). Mr. Shumick will speak individually to oboe and bassoon players about other instruments that they can play so they can be involved in marching band. Students must attend a music rehearsal from 4:30-6:00PM on Tuesday, April 28 th in the MHS Orchestra Room. At this time, all returning and new members will play as a full ensemble for the first time, music will be distributed, and school- owned marching instruments will be checked out for summer practice. As long as the student is registered by a parent at the band registration session on Monday, May 4 th, a spot in the group will be reserved. At the conclusion of Marching Band season, students have the opportunity to participate in the Milton Jazz Bands, which rehearse from November until May after school, once a week. Above: The new look of the Milton Marching Band uniforms that will debut in the fall of 2015
MARCHING BAND PERCUSSION SECTION Snare Drum, Quads, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Front Ensemble In order to be a part of the marching band percussion section (drumline), all interested students must attend practice on Monday, April 27 th and Tuesday, April 28 th from 4:30-7:00PM at MHS (this is the day after the NMS DC trip). During these rehearsals, all returning and new members play on their choice of percussion instruments. Music and other materials will be distributed several weeks in advance at NMS/EPMS. At the end of the two days, a finalized list of participating students and their assigned drum will be posted. Nobody will be cut. This audition is a way to make sure everyone is placed on the instrument they are best suited for. Percussionists will then be assigned a spot in the front ensemble (mallet percussion, drumset, auxiliary percussion), or the marching battery (snare drum, bass drum, quads or cymbals). Students who participate in the fall marching band percussion section also have the opportunity to participate in the Indoor Drumline, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November. Above: Pictures from the Marching Band s performance in New York City at the NYC Veterans Day Parade in November 2014
MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD SECTION Flags, Weapon, Dance All band students and non- band students are eligible to participate in the Milton High School Colorguard. Members of this group do not have to enroll in a band class. The guard performs with the marching band as an auxiliary unit utilizing flag, rifles, sabre and dance. Members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. To become a member of this group, students must attend auditions on the week of April 27 th in the MHS cafeteria from 4:30-6:30PM (begins the day after the NMS DC trip). No experience is required! Students who participate in the fall marching band colorguard also have the opportunity to participate in the winterguard, which begins rehearsals at the conclusion of the marching band season in November. Above: The fall 2014 Colorguard before a competition in October
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN OUR AWARD- WINNING BAND PROGRAM? 120+ instant friends, even before school begins Gaining an identity by being a member of a smaller group in a school population of 2,000 students Being surrounded by the brightest, friendliest, and best group of students at Milton Gaining confidence in oneself and his/her abilities Learning the value of teamwork and discipline Establishing time management skills Being a part of a successful musical ensemble Eligible for participating in other ensembles including Jazz Bands, Milton Indoor Drumline and Winterguard Enjoying great seats at all MHS football games An exciting and wonderful high school experience Fun, Fun, Fun! Above: The 2014 MHS Marching Band after winning the Grand Champion award at the McEachern High School Marching Invitational
IMPORTANT DATES FOR JOINING THE 2015-2016 MILTON BAND PROGRAM The band s calendar, which includes all events, practices, concerts, and other activities is posted to the band website, www.miltonband.org/calendar. For the most up- to- date dates/times, check this calendar often. It s a Google calendar, so you can sync it to your personal/home calendar as well. Spring 2015- Sign up for band when you select your high school courses. All students will register for Intermediate Band I and then be placed into the correct ensemble after class placement auditions Tuesday, March 31 st Thursday, April 2 nd FOR STUDENTS WHO SIGN UP FOR BAND: Marching Band Interest Meeting for Parents @ MHS (required) Band Class placement hearings @ MHS (required) Monday, April 27 th - Tuesday, April 28 th Tuesday, April 28 th Marching Band Percussion Auditions @ MHS Marching Band Brass and Woodwind Rehearsal @ MHS (current 8 th graders must attend) Monday, April 27 st through Thursday April 30 th Colorguard Auditions @MHS Monday, May 4 th Marching Band and Concert Band Registration @ MHS MANDATORY SUMMER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Tuesdays during June and July Colorguard optional rehearsals @ MHS Sunday, July 12 th 7:30 PM 4:00-8:00 PM 4:30-7:00 PM 4:30 6:00 PM 4:30-6:30 PM 4:00 8:00 PM 4:00-6:00 PM 7:00 PM Marching Band Parent Meeting @ MHS (Band Camp info)- - for all parents July 13 th July 17 th Marching Band Rehearsal @ MHS (Required for all members) July 19st July 24 th Marching Band Camp @ Reinhardt University (Required for all members) July 27th August 7 th Marching Band Evening Rehearsals @ MHS (Required for all members) Saturday, August 1 st OLD SOLDIERS DAY PARADE in Alpharetta
The Marching Band performs at the annual Old Soldiers Day Parade, all home and away football games, the Fulton County Marching Band exhibition, the White Columns Invitational (the competition we host here at MHS), and 2-3 competitions a year. PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES With a program as large and vibrant as ours, there are many volunteer opportunities for all parents, regardless of your specific talents. All parents are expected to contribute time so that the program runs smoothly. Examples of volunteer opportunities to choose from include: Working concessions at Verizon Amphitheater this is our largest fundraiser Range of jobs at our marching competition- White Columns Invitational Organizing and planning other fundraisers such as Jazz ala Mode, Taste of Alpharetta Chaperoning Equipment Crew from building props to moving equipment Feeding the students on Friday nights and before competitions Spiritwear sales- Friday lunches, football games, registration Football program from selling ads, to layout, to selling at games Band Banquet in May organize and decorate Hospitality after concerts and other special events, both baking and serving Photographers Sewing alterations to uniforms and sewing flags Uniforms both marching and concert fit students, distribute and maintain Medical need nurses and other health care professionals for all practices and games Volunteer sign up will occur the same time as registration.
HOW MUCH ARE MARCHING BAND FEES? Marching fees are variable based on the exact number of optional uniform items you may purchase. (e.g., some people get show shirts for parents, or two sets of under uniforms) These are the estimated costs for a new marching band member: Uniform Items: Marching Shoes $35 These shoes are worn with the marching band uniform to football games/competitions/parades. Under Uniform $28/set This is a Marching Band shirt and shorts that all marchers wear under the uniforms. 2015 Show Shirt $12/each This shirt will have the 2015 Show theme design, and is worn to marching camp, Old Soldier s Day parade, pep rallies, etc. Uniform Maintenance Fee $50 This fee covers dry cleaning the marching uniforms throughout the season, purchasing gloves for all marchers, and any repairs and replacements that may be needed. It also pays for dry cleaning and maintenance of the concert uniform Tuxedos and Concert Dresses. Color Guard only: $173 This amount covers the warm up suit/sports bag/gloves/shoes/tank top/show shirt for Color Guard members. Returning Guard members cost = $64, since warm ups & sports bags are only purchased the first year. Other Costs for Marching/Color Guard: Band Parent Obligation: $250 Our outstanding Marching program requires a lot of money to perform at the high level that we enjoy at Milton High School. This money goes to help cover many instructional, equipment and general expenses required to run the marching band program. Band Camp $400 July 19-24, 2015: One week of camp at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, with extensive staff instruction, where the students will learn how to march, learn the show music and drill, and have a great time. Performance Dinners $95 A team of parent volunteers will feed the entire marching band before every football game, competitions, during the mini- band camp, etc. During the 2014-2015 season, there were 19 meals provided, in addition to snacks for several of the longer bus rides to competitions. Concert Band Costs: (Boys only) $26 Your student will be sized and given a Tuxedo (boys) or Concert Dress (girls) for the school year, which will be worn at all concerts. BOYS are required to purchase a Tuxedo Shirt and studs to wear with the Tuxedo they are issued. Band Trip to Florida (TBD) (Estimated) $400 Details to follow. Total cost for new members of the Milton Marching Band Program 2015-2016: Girls - $870 Boys - $890 Color Guard - $918 Payment 1 (May 4 th ) - $450.00 Payment 2 (June 12 th ) - $420.00 (Girls), $440 (Boys), $480 (Colorguard) Florida trip payment (optional) (July 12 th ) - $400.00 * * Trip cost is an estimate. Final details and pricing will be discussed at interest meeting on March 31 st