2019-2020 (Revised 12/4/2018) Class of 2022 New Member Information Packet CONCERT BAND SYMPHONIC BAND WIND ENSEMBLE MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD PIT ORCHESTRA JAZZ BAND WINTERGUARD INDOOR DRUMLINE Information for rising ninth graders about joining the Milton High School Band program Visit www.miltonband.org for additional details.
WHAT IS HIGH SCHOOL BAND? Students who join the Milton High School (MHS) Band program will be 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 is ability-based, and therefore, has a mix of 9 th -12 th grade students. 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). Freshmen who play percussion instruments will be placed in the 9 th grade Percussion Ensemble. 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 Monday, March 25 from 4:00-8:00 PM at MHS. The class placement audition is nothing to worry about; we have a place for everyone, regardless of ability or experience. However, we want to ensure that everyone is placed into the correct class. Above: The MHS Wind Ensemble performs at the University of Georgia. 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 MEMBERS OF THE 2018 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 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 Monday, January 14 at 7:30 PM at MHS. Registration for both marching and concert bands is Monday, April 29 th from 4:00 8:00 PM 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 4:30-6:30PM on Tuesday, April 23 rd 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, April 29 th, a spot in the group will be reserved. Above: Members of the 2018 MHS Marching Band as they performed The Art of Balance
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 Thursday, April 25 th and Friday, April 26 th from 4:30-6:30PM at MHS. 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 to which they are best suited. 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.
MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD SECTION Flags, Weapon, Dance All band students and non-band students are eligible to participate in the Milton High School Colorguard. 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 22 nd in the MHS cafeteria from 4:00-6:30PM. 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. PARADES Every year, the Marching Band participates in the Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta. Every other year, the band may also participate in a parade in another state, which is optional. In 2018, the marching band went to New York City, NY. L- Old Soldiers Day Parade Alpharetta (August 2018) Middle and Bottom- Veteran s Day Parade in New York City (November 2018)
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN OUR AWARD-WINNING BAND PROGRAM? 150+ 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 Developing leadership skills Being a part of a successful musical ensemble Eligible for participating in other ensembles including, Milton Indoor Drumline, Winterguard, Jazz Band and Pit Orchestra Enjoying great seats at all MHS football games An exciting and wonderful high school experience Fun, Fun, Fun! MHS Marching Band Grand Champions! Left: Creekview Marching Band Competition Right: Carrollton High School Legacy of Champions
IMPORTANT DATES FOR JOINING THE 2019-2020 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 current dates/times, check this calendar often. It s a Google calendar, so you can sync it to your personal/home calendar as well. Also, don t forget to sign up for our email alerts on the band s website, under Subscribe to our email list. These emails are our main communication vehicle. Mr. Shumick also will set up a text reminder system at the beginning of each year. To join, text @miltonmb to 81010. Spring 2019 - Sign up for band when you select your high school courses. All students will register for Intermediate Band I and then will be placed into the correct ensemble after class placement auditions. FOR STUDENTS WHO SIGN UP FOR BAND: January 14, 2019 Marching Band Interest Meeting for Parents at MHS (required) 7:30 PM Monday, March 25 Band Class Placement Hearings (required) 4:00 8:00 PM Tuesday, April 23 Thursday, April 25 & Friday, April 26 Monday, April 22 Thursday, April 25 Monday, April 29 Marching Band Brass and Woodwinds Rehearsal at MHS (current 8 th graders MUST attend) Marching Band Percussion Auditions at MHS Colorguard Auditions at MHS Marching Band and Non-Marching Band Registration at MHS 4:00 5:30 PM 4:30 6:30 PM 4:00 6:30 PM 4:00 8:00 PM Tuesdays during June and July Sunday, July 7 July 8 July 12 July 14 July 19 July 22 August 2 MANDATORY SUMMER REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: Colorguard Optional Rehearsal @ MHS Marching Band Parent Meeting @ MHS (Band Camp Information) required for all parents Marching Band Rehearsals at MHS (Required for all members) Marching Band Camp @ Reinhardt University (Required for all members) Marching Band Evening Rehearsals at MHS (Required for all members) 4:00 8:00 PM 6:30 7:30 PM 8:00 5:00 PM All Week See Band Calendar for times. Saturday, August 3 Old Soldiers Day Parade in Alpharetta See Band Calendar for times.
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 & FUNDRAISNG OPPORTUNITIES With a program as large and vibrant as ours, there are many volunteer and fundraising opportunities for all parents regardless of your specific talents. All parents are expected to contribute so that the program runs smoothly. See examples below: Volunteer Opportunities: Chaperoning, including those who administer first aid Equipment Crew from building props to moving equipment Feeding the students on Friday nights and before competitions Band Banquet in May organize and decorate Hospitality providing refreshments and serving after concerts and other special events Photographers at events Sewing alterations to uniforms and sewing flags Uniforms both marching and concert fit students, distribute and maintain Fundraising: Working concessions at Verizon Amphitheater our largest fundraiser Milton Band s Competition - White Columns Invitational Organizing and planning other fundraisers, e.g., Taste of Alpharetta and Poinsettia sales Spiritwear sales- Friday lunches, football games, registration Football program from selling ads, to layout, to selling at games Additional information on volunteer and fundraising activities can be found at www.miltonband.org
How much are Marching Band Fees? Estimated Fees for Milton HS Band 2019-20 Marching fees are variable based on the exact number of uniform items you may purchase (e.g. some people purchase 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 $37 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. 2019 Show Shirt $12/each This shirt will have the 2019 Show theme design, and is worn to marching camp, Old Soldiers Day Parade, pep rallies, etc. Uniform Maintenance Fee $75 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 rental, dry cleaning, and maintenance of the concert uniform Tuxedos and Concert Dresses. Colorguard only $37 This amount covers show shirt and dry cleaning for Colorguard members. Other Costs for Marching/Colorguard: Band Participation Fee $295 Our outstanding Marching program requires considerable funding to perform at the high level that we enjoy at Milton High School. This funding helps cover many instructional elements, equipment and general expenses required to run the marching band program. Band Camp (estimate) $395 July 14-19, 2019: 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 bonding as a cohesive group. Performance Dinners $120 A team of parent volunteers will feed the entire marching band before every football game, competitions, during the mini-band camp, etc. Concert Band Costs $20 (Boys only) Your student will be sized and a Tuxedo (boys) or Concert Dress (girls) is rented 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. Total cost estimate for new members of the Milton Marching Band Program 2019: Girls - $962* Boys - $982* Colorguard - $847* (New members add $201 for warms up, duffle bag, tank top, shorts and gloves) First Payment Due on April 29 th - $500 Balance due on June 12, 2019 Amount TBD. Questions? receivables@miltonband.org *Fee when you also participate in the number of required Verizon concert shifts