Raider Rhythms The Official Newsletter of the Robert E. Lee Band www.relband.org July 2014 Summer Band Schedule 2014 In order to have a successful marching band season, it is very important that we have a strong summer band program. Please look over the following schedule for summer band rehearsal hours. Summer band rehearsals are required, so please contact Mr. Castillo if there are any conflicts that may keep you from attending. Please understand that the REL Band is all about team effort, so make every attempt to attend!!! The Robert E. Lee Red Raider Band presents their 2014 production Freshmen and New Marcher Camp (please bring a sack lunch) July 31, August 1 8am-12pm, 1-4pm August 4 August 8 August 11- August 15 August 18, 19, 21 Mondays-Thursdays 7:10am- 10:40am - Full Band Marching Block 12:00pm- 3:00pm- Full Band Music Block (including pit) Fridays 7:10am-12pm Full Band Thursday, August 7 Evening Rehearsal (All Students) 6pm-8:30pm Tuesday, August 12 Evening Rehearsal (All Students) 6pm-8:30pm Thursday, August 14 Evening Rehearsal (All Students) 6pm-8:30pm Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19 Evening Rehearsal (All Students) 6pm-8:30pm Students will have a lunch break from 10:40 to 12:00 pm. Students are welcome to bring a bag lunch or be picked up for lunch. Please do not be late for afternoon rehearsals! Thursday, August 21 6:00-9:00pm- Rose Stadium Rehearsal Students are responsible for transportation to and from Rose Stadium. Parents are welcome to stay and watch rehearsal. Tales from Arabian Nights From the legendary collection of stories of One Thousand and One Nights, the Robert E. Lee Band presents the music of Scheherazade (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov) and Danse Bacchanale (Camille Saint-Saens). Get ready for a magical ride as we portray the tales of Sinbad the Sailor, The Sparrow and the Peacock, and the Magic Carpet. Enjoy!!! Welcome Mr. Echols! Please welcome Mr. Brent Echols as the new associate band director for the REL Band. Mr. Echols is originally from Troy, Illinois and studied music education at Michigan State University. As a percussionist, he performed in many of MSU s renowned music ensembles, including the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Spartan Marching Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Mr. Echols also performed with the world class drum and bugle corps, Carolina Crown, as well as several indoor percussion ensembles. We are incredibly excited to have Mr. Echols as part of the Lee Band team! Visit us at www.relband.org! Newsletter 1
Summer Band Survival Items!!! Please don t forget the following items for your summer band rehearsals! Instrument Music (Foundations, Book, Flip Folder) Large Water Jug Light weight and light colored clothing Tennis shoes (absolutely no sandals, flip flops!) Hat and sunscreen Because summer band can be an extremely physically demanding event, it is highly recommended that students take the proper precautions to stay healthy. Here are some tips to have a more pleasant experience! Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water and juices. The more that you consume, the less likely you are to suffer heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Stay away from carbonated beverages!!!!!!! Eat healthy meals! Stay away from greasy junk food and consume more fruits and vegetables. Also, don t forget to eat a good breakfast. You will be working very hard in the heat, so don t try to run on an empty stomach. Get plenty of rest. Although summer band is in the summer, you mustt get plenty of sleep at night so that you can function properly during morning rehearsals. DCI Lake Highlands If you bought a ticket for the DCI event, we will meet up at REL on July 21 st at 12pm. (If you are traveling in your own vehicle, please meet up at the school to check in and pick up your tickets). This year we will be traveling to Forney HS to watch a portion of the Carolina Crown full ensemble rehearsal. Following the rehearsal, we will then travel to eat dinner and then to the show site. Pleasee bring your own meal money for dinner and for any souvenirss that you may want to buy. The show starts at 7:00 at the Lake Highlands HS Stadium (9449 Church Rd Dallas, TX 75238). We will return home late that evening and get back at approximately 1am. Class Schedule for 2014-15 1 st Period- Symphonic Band and Colorguard 2 nd Period- Jazz I 3 rd Period - Percussion Class 4 th, 5 th, and 6 th Period- lunch tutorials, and travel to middle schools) 7 th Period - Wind Ensemblee and Symphonic Winds (director s conference, 8 th Period - Concert Band 9 th Period- Jazz III Newsletter 2
Band Registration Information It is very important that band students and parents participate in the band registration on Sunday, August 3. The registration process will include the following... Order and receive materials (shoes, gloves, ponchos, t-- shirts, etc) Return student/parent forms Band uniform fitting (Please be prepared to pay for materials at registration!) Lyres, flip folders, Foundations for a Superior Performance books, and all other instrument related materials will also be available through the American Band Instruments table. In order to create a more efficient and enjoyable registration experience, please visit our band website at www.relband.org. You will find the necessary forms that will be needed for registration. Feel free to fill these forms out beforee you arrive.. In order to streamline the registration process, please use the following schedule. If you cannot attend at your scheduled time, feel free to register at your convenience. Registration Schedule 2:00-2:30 - Seniors 2:30-3:15 - Juniors 3:15-4:00 - Sophomores 4:00-6:00 - Freshmen Band Fair Share Program The Robert E. Lee Band has adopted a Fair Share Program that ensures that our band students all contribute too the necessary expenses that go with being a member of our organization. Although our band is well fundedd through TISD and Robert E. Lee High School, the needs of our students exceed the amount budgeted for our band program. Students will be responsible for a $120 fair share (colorguard is $100). The fair share will cover the expense of uniform dry cleaning, beverages for marching season, marching contest meals (3), and travel expenses (charter buses, equipment trucks, fuel, etc). Families are strongly encouraged to have the total Fair Sharee amount paid at the Band Registration. C E C ALENDAA R OF E VENTS July 21 DCI Show Lake Highlands High School Departure- 12pm, Arrival- 1am July 24-25 Student Leadership Training (Section Leaders only) REL Band Hall 8am-12pm, 1-4pm July 28-29 Percussion Music and Marching Camp 8am-12pm, 1-4pm July 31, August 1 Freshmen and New Marcher Camp 8am-12pm, 1-4pm August 3 Band Registration 2pm- 6pm August 4 Full Summer Band Rehearsals Begin! August 14 Band Parent Meeting 6pm August 16 Band March-a-thon Fundraiser 7am-1pm Standstill Performance @ 11:30am August 18 Band Pictures- 8am Red Raider Round Up- 12:30pm Pep Rally 3:30pm August 25 First Day of School August 30, SATURDAY!!! First Football Game @ Rose Stadium (Fossil Ridge) Pay your band fees with The Red Raider Band now offers the convenience of paying band fees, fundraising, and even band trips online through the security of PayPal. Please visit our website to learn how to use this online service. Newsletter 3
The Lee Band will travel to the nation s capital! It s time to travel out of state for our spring trip, and we will visit Washington D.C. Mark your calendars for the week of spring break. There are still a few details to iron out, and we are still pending official approval from the school district, however, here is what you can expect. If we travel by charter buss (24 hours!), individual cost will be approximately $800. If we fly, it will be approximately $1100. Spring Trip 2015 Washington D.C. Accommodations Three (03) Nights Full Service Hotel Accommodations Meals Seven (07) Total Four (04) Breakfasts: o One ( 01) Hard Rock Café Nashville o Threee (03) full American breakfasts Three (03) Dinners: o Buca di Beppo o Phillips Flagship o Uno Chicago Grill Activities/Events Admissions/Tours: o Guided walking tour of the National Mall Reflecting Pool monuments o Admission to the National Cathedral o National Symphonyy Orchestra concert Visits: o Smithsonian Museums o Holocaust Museum o US Capitol Library of Congress, Supreme Court, National Archives (any or all as time permits surrounding US Capitol visit) o Arlington Cemetery Details Professional Tour Director to assist group with on site travel logistics Will meet you in Washington DC Restaurant Gratuities and Hotel Taxes are included Driver and Tour Director Gratuities included Liability Insurance will add and list as additionally insured, your school, in our company liability insurance policy Consumer Protection our membership in the Student & Youth Travel Association requires us to adhere to a strict code of ethics and maintain a high level of financial integrity Marching Band Rehearsal Schedule (Begins August 25) Monday- 5:00-8:00pm Tuesday- 7: 10-8:15am Wednesday- 7:10-8:15am Thursday- 7:10-8:15am Friday- 7:10-7:45am (pep rally schedule), 7:10-8: 15am (no pep rally schedule) Please avoid these SAT/ACT Dates! October 11- SAT (Desoto Marching Contest) October 25- ACT (Area Marching Contest) December 13- ACT (All Region Auditions) Newsletter 4
ROBERT E LEE RED RAIDER BAND MARCH-A-THON 2014 The award-winning Robert E. Lee Red Raider Marching Band will be providing a parade for the neighborhoods surrounding Golden Park on Saturday, August 16th. We want to provide entertainment for our community and gain exposure for our band program. We are also going to use this as an opportunity to raise funds for the 2014-2015 school year. Our program goal for this fundraiser is $30,000. The March-A-Thon will help band members earn money to help pay for band expenses including the spring trip, band banquet and competitive marching season. All band members are expected to raise a minimum of $50. Members of the band will be accepting pledges or donations (donations recommended) for total marching distance. The 5 mile trek begins on the south side of Golden Park on McDonald Rd. and ends at Moore Middle School. At the conclusion of the route, we will have a short performance of the 2014 Arabian Nights Opener in the Moore Middle School Gym. Immediately following the concert, lunch will be provided to students and volunteers in the gym. Family and Friends, please join us for this performance as it will be the first of the season! For a minimum donation of $100, the entire 200 plus piece marching band will provide a lawn concert for the individual houses or cul-de-sacs along the route (list of songs will be provided). These concerts will take place along the parade route. The first $50 that each student raises will go directly into the general band fund to pay for the needs of the band as a whole. All the money that the students raise beyond that initial $50 will go directly into their individual trip account. It is quite possible that each student could raise enough money during the march-a-thon to pay for their entire Spring Trip. As this is a mandatory activity for all the members of the band, all students will be expected to participate. This event will be a huge opportunity for our students to raise funds for the band program and all students will benefit in some way throughout the year. Therefore, it is imperative that we have full participation. Please make plans for your child to be present. If you find that there is an unavoidable conflict, please communicate with Mr. Noyes prior to the event. Alternative service projects will be available for non-participants. We would encourage everyone to get out and get pledges/donation from friends and families. We have a great opportunity to raise money for the band organization. And remember, all donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE! Please contact our BPA President, Jennifer Sturm, jmlsgizmo@gmail.com, if you would like to volunteer for this event. For more detailed information, visit www.relband.org. Newsletter 5
SmartMusic is interactive music software that is transforming the way students practice. The REL Band will be using SmartMusic next year all year round. Every student in band will be given pass off assignments on marching band music, all-region etudes, solos, scales and exercises, concert band music. Students will have either the option of using this program on one of our school computers, however, it will be more beneficial if student s have the option of using this program at home. Since a band director or private lesson teacher can t be there with them while they practice at home, SmartMusic provides the guidance to help them practice more effectively. This software gives students access to thousands of pieces of music. In many cases, they can select a piece of music and actually see it on-screen. Then instead of practicing alone, students click the start button and play or sing along with background accompaniment. They actually hear how their part fits within the whole ensemble. If they are playing a piece that appears on-screen, they get instant feedback. The notes show up green and red, telling them which notes they got right or wrong. And, students can slow down a piece at first and then gradually increase their speed as their skill grows.many practice tools are included in SmartMusic: * There is a built-in tuner to help with pitch. * A metronome helps students learn how to play rhythms accurately. * The built-in record feature provides immediate feedback. Students can learn a lot by listening to themselves. What can the student s use SmartMusic to practice on? Very simply, almost everything! SmartMusic s library includes: * Band, jazz band, and orchestra titles, complete with educator approved assignments for all parts * Method books for band, strings, jazz ensemble, vocal, and recorder * Solo accompaniments; perfect for recitals, auditions, and contest * 50,000 skill building exercises for musicians at all levels * Jazz repertoire and innovative tools for developing improvisation Why SmartMusic makes practicing fun: * Choose to play along with thousands of pieces in our SmartMusic library * Learn how your part fits within the ensemble through accompaniment * SmartMusic listens as you play, giving you instant feedback on assessable files * Move at your own pace by controlling the tempo and click track with subdivisions * Isolate difficult phrases of any length with the loop tool * Record and play back your practice sessions for self-assessment * Send MP3 recordings to family members and friends * Solo repertoire accompaniment follows spontaneous tempo changes Pricing: The rate for a yearly at home subscription is $40. Go to www.smartmusic.com<http://www.smartmusic.com> to sign up today!!! ***Do not forget to order a microphone from SmartMusic. You will need one in order for the program to record your playing and assess your playing. These microphones cost $19.95 and can be reused every year! Click the link and read more about what SmartMusic has to offer. http://www.smartmusic.com/wpcontent/uploads/2012/11/sm_2012_parntflyer_fnl.pdf With SmartMusic, students are more engaged, practice longer, and learn faster. Watch this video for more information. http://video.makemusic.com/services/player/bcpid2041871193001?bckey=aq~~,aaabz2uoeue~,mqprs9y0umr_5s- OReA_wrAyUov846yE&bclid=2080839710001&bctid=1545650723001 If you have any SmartMusic questions, please see http://www.relband.org/resources/smartmusic/ If you cannot find your answer there, please feel free to email Mr. Noyes. The goal for all woodwind and brass players is to pass off the Fight Song and Part One of Arabian Nights. If you do not have SmartMusic at home, the band hall is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4pm. Feel free to come by and get your assignment completed before summer band begins! Newsletter 6
BAND PARENTS ASSOCIATION This time of year is always bitter sweet summer is winding down, but the REL Band Marching Season is just beginning. The Pride of Robert E. Lee is about to take the field. This means hard work, tons of fun, and many opportunities for both our children and us as parents. Band Parent Association (BPA) Board: The REL Band Program is a tremendous organization that helps support the development of students into leaders through commitment, dedication, and teamwork. As the BPA, we are blessed to help this organization thrive. President Jennifer Sturm 903-363-4953 jmlsgizmo@gmail.com Executive Vice President Karen Riley 903-330-1301 karendriley@gmail.com Vice President of Logistics Rusty Goodwin 903-714-2310 ruggo1@yahoo.com Treasurer Karen Ford 903-316-1126 fordfamily@suddenlink.net Co-Treasure Karalee Hyland 903 581-4722 bkhyland@sbcglobal.net Secretary Tiffany Damskov 903-266-0376 tiffanydamskov@yahoo.com Parliamentarian Kristen Baldwin 903-570-3171 baldwins5@suddenlink.net Band Volunteers & Registration: We are supported by a great set of Committee Chairs and they are supported by a team of Volunteers. We still need many more volunteers and a few Committee Chairs. Please sign up to help in some capacity during band registration on Sunday, August 3 rd, or call/email one of the Executive Board Members above. Supporting the REL Band is a lot of fun and we can t do it without you! Band Communication: The Band is a busy organization, however, it is easy to be in the loop with multiple forms of communication. First, sign up for the group email ASAP. This is one of the most informative ways you will receive information via a weekly email. It is best way to sign up is to send your request through email to Dana Cargile at thomasc882@aol.com right away; the second best is to sign up at registration. We will add you to the list! Next, sign up for Twitter. Even if you don t Tweet, you ll want to follow the band. You will receive tweets that let you know when the band is headed home, in Tyler, and when they have arrived after out of town events among many other announcements. This is very helpful! In addition to Twitter, the Band has a Facebook page. Check the page to see pictures of the band and much more. Visit the Band s webpage often at www.relband.org to stay up to date and informed. Finally, go to the itunes App Store, search REL Band, and stay up to date with ALL social media in one easy location! Band Fundraisers: Fund raisers help support various REL Band activities such as the End of the Year Banquet and Socials as well as helping purchase items that students benefit from such as an ice machine, freezer, etc. We are planning several fund raisers for this coming year: Spirit Sales Concession Stand Local Restaurant Sponsored Events March-a-thon Discount Card Sales In addition, we are looking at holding our first 5K Fun Run. We are hoping it will be a huge success! Your support for these events is needed! Band Directors: We are blessed to have the best directors in the state! Director Assistant Director Assistant Director Bobby Castillo Jason Noyes Brent Echols The Color Guard is under the direction of Mr. Chris Falsetta. Please thank them for the many hours they dedicate to our children. Safety and character are their priority. Finally, you are the most important person in your child s life, even when it doesn t always seem like it. Please keep encouraging your child to have healthy habits, such as eating right, exercising daily and sleeping enough (and at the right time!). Help them keep a good schedule and be on time (especially to band practice!). And keep on loving them through the fun teenage years! Many thanks! Jennifer Sturm BPA President Newsletter 7
The Robert E. Lee Band has an app! Goo to thee itunes App Store and search RELL Band. Stay up to date with ALL social media in one easy location! The Lee Band is on Twitter. Go to www. relband.org for more details. Robert E. Lee High School Band 411 ESE Loop 323 Tyler, Texas 75701 ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Newsletter 8