Loudoun County High School Marching Band 2018-2019 Welcome to the LCHS band! It s that time of year again. It s time to start planning for the next new school year. We have many exciting activities planned for the next year and would like for every band member to be as informed and as involved as possible. We are currently preparing for the fall 2018 marching band season. The LCHS Marching Band performs at football games, parades, and numerous competitions around the state. We hope that you can join the LCHS Marching Band family for another exciting and rewarding season! If you are interested in any aspect of our program, fill out all necessary forms and return them to your band director by Friday, April 13th, 2018. Come and join us as a member of one of the finest band programs in the state of Virginia! You will work hard, have fun, and it ll show!!!
The LCHS Marching Band performs at all home football games, various parades, and competitions from September through November. We have been very successful in competitions and have consistently earned superior ratings at the State Marching Festival. Because of our hard work and success, we have earned the distinction of being a Virginia State Honor Band for eleven years. In addition, last marching season we were thrilled to win the US Bands Virginia State Championship! Joining marching band will be one of the best decisions you will make in high school. This activity looks very good on a college application because it demonstrates a strong positive attitude, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and many other admirable characteristics. You are guaranteed to have an incredibly fun experience with all of the new friends you will make! The Marching Raiders are like a family, and you will share memorable traditions and cooperate in ways you won t imagine. Sections of the Band: Wind Instruments- This includes the standard brass or woodwind instruments that actively march in the field. Wind instruments that are not included in our marching program are bass clarinets, oboes, and bassoons. This does not mean that you can t march!! Other options are available and more information can be found in the incoming freshman packets. Pit/Front Ensemble- The pit is made up of the percussion section of the band that cannot march. This includes marimbas, pianos, xylophones, and the rack. The pit has a variety of jobs and often changes instruments within the pit during the show. Drumline- Drumline consists of percussion instruments that march on the field. These include snares, bass drums, and quad tenors. Drumline leads the band and show rhythmically, and contributes greatly to running the show smoothly. Color Guard- Color Guard is an option for those who would like to be on the field but either do not want to or can t play an instrument. It is open to everybody and can be seen during the show using flags, sabres, rifles, and other props to enhance the performance.
We pride ourselves on our strong work ethic and our desire to be successful. In order to be competitive during the marching season, attendance to band camp, all rehearsals, and performances is mandatory Please see the calendar on the band website for a detailed schedule. Note that Saturdays from mid-september through the beginning of November are scheduled marching band activities, and families should adjust their calendars accordingly. Marching band is considered an extra-curricular activity; as such, it is not fully funded by Loudoun County Public Schools. It can be costly to maintain a strong marching band; therefore, it is the responsibility of the members to support the program. The cost for marching band this year will be $300.00 per student. This one-time fee helps to offset the costs of necessary items and services, such as music, drill, staff, band shirts, equipment, etc. If you are interested in joining our marching band family, please fill out the attached student information form and return to your director with the $300.00 band fee by Friday, April 13th, 2018. Please make checks payable to LCHS. ***************************************************************************** * 2018 Marching Band Practice Dates ***It is especially important that parents and students CONSTANTLY check the calendar on the school website due to the complexity of our schedule this year*** Band Drumline Guard July 25-27 9am-1pm 25/27: 9am-1pm *July 24/26-3:30pm-7:30pm 9am-1pm July 30- August 3 9am-5pm 1pm-7:30 pm 9am-5pm August 6-10 9am-7pm 9am-7pm 9am-7pm August 13-17 13/14: 9am-5pm 13/14: 1pm-7:30pm 13/14: 9am-5pm August 22-24 4:30pm-6:30pm 4:30pm-6:30pm 4:30pm-6:30pm
August 29-31 4:30pm-6:30pm 4:30pm-6:30pm *August 28-4:30pm-7:30pm *ATTENDANCE POLICY: 4:30pm-6:30pm Attendance at all functions, practices, and performances is required. There is NEVER a question as to whether or not you have to come to an event. Our success as a band is due to the full commitment of every band member at all times; without that commitment, the entire band suffers. A performance ensemble learns and performs as a group, not as individuals. The calendar is updated and posted in advance for your family to plan accordingly. If you already know that you will not be able to attend multiple scheduled events/practices, it may not be the best decision to join our program. Consider whether you are ready for the time commitment. The time we put into our program is worth it, we promise! Being late or leaving early for practice or performance will only be excused for emergencies and must be approved by the director beforehand. School interferences will be handled on an individual basis with the director. Other sports, work, or vacations are not excusable absences! This year, we are implementing a 3 strike policy. Students who break the attendance policy and receive their 3rd strike will be removed from the group without refund or recourse. By committing to be a member of the LCHS Marching Band, you understand the commitment that comes with being a member. Attendance will be taken every day. Absences for the following reasons will be excused: 1. Illness of student. Must have a doctor s note or will not be excused. 2. Serious illness or death of family member 3. A recognized religious holiday 4. Court subpoena 5. Certain military situations, i.e. deployment of parent/ guardian
I have read and understand the attached expectations for the 2018 Loudoun County Marching Raiders. I also understand that by signing and returning this form, I am committing to attend (or ensure that my child attends) all rehearsals and performances. Printed Student Name Instrument/Color Guard Date Student Signature Parent Signature Student E-mail Parent E-mail Parents Name(s) Parent Phone # Address: T-Shirt Size: S M L XL Grade: The parent email will be used to receive updates from the BPO throughout the season regarding schedule changes, meetings, and other upcoming events. School-owned instruments will be provided for all students playing percussion, tuba, baritone, French horn, baritone saxophone, and tenor saxophone. Costumes, flags, and sabers will be provided for members of color guard. Uniforms (excluding gloves and shoes) will be provided for all members.