DeWitt Band Boosters P. O. Box 368 DeWitt, MI 48820 Welcome to the 2015 Panther Marching Band Season! I am Craig Kahler, President of the DeWitt Band Boosters. It will be an honor to work with the many great people who make DeWitt High School s Instrumental Program such a success. My family has enjoyed being involved in DeWitt s band program: my wife, Linda, is actively involved in the Boosters, our daughter Audrey graduated in 2013 after four years of Band classes and our son Adam, a sophomore, is in the pit for marching band and plays the trumpet in other bands. You ll see our whole family throughout the season and I encourage you and your family to get involved with the Band. It is a great opportunity to directly experience the success of our students and see some great band performances. Our Instrumental Music program has developed an outstanding reputation. We are no longer a small time band. Our students compete at the highest level in the Michigan Competing Bands Association (MCBA), achieving a third place finish in 2011. With success come high expectations. Our students put in many hours of hard work to accomplish this success. They need and deserve our support. This is your 2015 Band Camp Packet. Included you will find uniform information, volunteer information and a Contact Information form. Even if you have filled out a Contact Information form in the past, please complete the new document to ensure we have the most current contact information. You may return each of these forms, along with your Band Camp Fees, to the Boosters at the above address. Please ensure we have accurate and current phone and email information for both parents and students. I would like to bring to your attention a few details regarding 2014 Band Camp Fees: 2015 Camp Fees are $300 for all participants. The fee covers the cost of camp, marching season expenses and allows us to begin building a reserve for future uniform replacement. Students will be responsible for purchasing their Drillmaster marching shoes and gloves. Color Guard members will also purchase shoes and their specific gloves. Drumline will not need gloves but will need Drillmasters. In 2015, we will continue using the Charms online service that will permit: Online management of your student s account. Payment on account by credit card. More efficient communication with students and parents including email and text messaging capabilities. Go to www.charmsoffice.com and click on the features tab for more information. The band s access code is dewittmusicdepartment. Please also visit our website: www.dewittbands.org for information regarding all our activities and events. We also support our sponsors with links on the website. Please patronize our sponsors and thank them for their support for DeWitt Bands!
2 Page DeWitt s Instrumental Music Program includes: Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Pops Band. Even if your student is not a member of the Marching Band, your involvement is encouraged and beneficial, from attending meetings to know what is happening, providing input and actively participating in band events. The many accomplishments achieved by our students do not happen without the support of our parents. The Band Boosters support each and every student who participates in band. Marching Band is the most visible band program and demands the bulk of the volunteer effort. We need and want you to be actively involved in the Boosters to ensure our continued success and ability to support our students. How can you help? We have many opportunities to get involved in the Boosters. The old adage many hands make light work is very applicable in the Boosters as we support: The World Famous Apple Pie Sale one of our largest fund raising events of the year, and most fun activities. The band students and parents make upwards of 2,700 apple pies in about four hours. You have to experience it! We ll make Apple Pies on Friday, November 13! Craft Show the annual Craft Show and Silent Auction occurs the day after we make pies Saturday, November 14! MSU Stadium Cleanup for about two hours of effort, we raise $1,000 for the Band Boosters. We clean Spartan Stadium after a home game. With 100 or more volunteers, this is quick and easy money. Stadium clean-up is scheduled for Sunday, September 13. Mark your calendars! DeWitt Band Festival Our single largest fund raising event in some years hosting over a dozen bands from across Michigan in competition culminating with a rousing exhibition by the DeWitt Panther Marching Band. The DeWitt Band Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 10! Scrap Metal Drive Save your scrap metal! Bring it to the DHS Parking Lot on Saturday, August 15 for our annual Scrap Metal Drive. These vital fund-raising programs, new initiatives, along with the hard work and support of our parents and the DeWitt Community allow the Boosters to: Purchase instruments, music and props for the Marching Band Hire special instructors (i.e. Band Camp Section instructors, Drill Instructors, supplemental instruction for grades 6-12, etc.) Provide funding for band competitions including registration fees, transportation, meals, etc. You can also support the DeWitt Band Boosters when you shop: Meijer Community Rewards, Kroger Community Rewards, Gordon Food Service Rewards, Goodsearch and Amazon Smile. Links and instructions are available on the website at www.dewittbands.org. Marching Band Season runs from August into November, culminating with State Finals at Ford Field on November 7. The Boosters meet monthly during this time period. The rest of the year we typically meet every other month. The Boosters are a non-profit organization run by volunteers working in tandem with DeWitt Public Schools to nurture and support a strong Instrumental Music Program. We
3 Page are always looking for ways to improve and welcome your participation and input. Please make it a priority to participate in at least one Boosters sponsored event this year. You will find our parents friendly, fun and committed. You will also gain a tremendous sense of satisfaction by contributing to a cause that enhances your student s high school experience, the school culture in general and the DeWitt Community as a whole. Our student s performances will be enjoyable for your friends and family as well. Our students work hard, are tremendously talented and our band staff committed and exceptional. The entertainment value is unmatched! Welcome! Let s have an outstanding 2015 Season! Craig Kahler, President DeWitt Band Boosters Home phone: 669-8194 Cell: (517) 896-5080 e-mail: president@dewittband.org website: www.dewittbands.org
4 Page 2015-16 Executive Board Members President Craig Kahler 669-8194/896-5080 president@dewittband.org Treasurer Kathie Boynton 214-3695 boyntonk04@yahoo.com Marketing /PR Anna Epkey 285-9219 unduly2@aol.com Fund Raising Lisa Moore 669-1294 fundraising@dewittband.org Craft Show/Silent Auction Tina Sims 668-0312 tinasimsmsw@yahoo.com Uniforms Barb Helser 669-6450 helser4@comcast.net Uniforms TBD Secretary TBD Volunteer Coordinator Darla Shellberg 669-3871 dshellberg@yahoo.com Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Cummings 669-1144 cummingsleslie@comcast.net Craft Show/Silent Auction Kathie Boynton 214-3695 boyntonk04@yahoo.com Craft Show/Auction Lysne Tait 669-2781 craftshow@dewittband.org Food Sandra Ayriss 668-0766 sayriss@comcast.com Awards Teresa Brown 669-1325 59tmbrown@gmail.com Festival TBD Festival TBD Technology/Website Anna Epkey 285-9219 unduly2@aol.com Spirit Wear Jill Roragen 669-8119 roragens405@comcast.net
Dewitt High School Marching Band Uniforms Uniforms will be tried on and assigned during band camp. All alterations will be done by uniform committee. If your child has any concerns as the season progresses please have them see one of the uniform parents. Undergarments the uniforms do not offer much warmth. Under- shirts are mandatory. The undergarments must be black or dark blue. No garment can be sticking out above the collar of the jacket. (no turtlenecks) We recommend products that are thin but warm like Under Armor or Cuddle Duds - - Jeans or Sweatpants will not be acceptable. Please call or talk to us if you have any questions. Even though the uniforms are washable they are not to be washed by the students. All uniform washing will be done by the uniform committee. Marching band shoes (Drillmasters) will be fitted at band camp. We will have a full selection of sizes for students to try on to determine proper size. Shoes will be ordered and should arrive in time to be worn for the Ox roast parade. Upperclassmen please evaluate quality and fit of your marching shoes before camp. Do you need to order new shoes for this season?? Socks Black socks will need to be purchased by the student. These socks must cover the ankle (Crew style) Low- cut, no show, etc. styles are not acceptable. We will have gloves available for the students and they will need to be paid for at band camp Raincoats will be fitted during band camp. Show shirts will be ordered and distributed 2-3 weeks after band camp. Any questions please contact the Band Boosters Uniform Chair: Barbara Helser 669-6450 Helser4@comcast.net
DEWITT HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND COLORGUARD 2015-2016 Hello all incoming and returning Colorguard members! I look forward to meeting all of the new members and welcoming back the returning girls! I am continually inspired with the growth that this Colorguard has made in the past few years and I am impressed with the skills and progress that is made each marching season. About me: I am Carly Leppala and I attended DeWitt Public schools and graduated DeWitt High School in 2011. I was in Colorguard in the marching band from 2007-2011 under the direction of Michael Norman. I was Colorguard captain my senior year, where we placed 4th in State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit. I was also involved in concert band in 2007-2011 and played French Horn and sang in Bella Voce, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir from 2007-2011. I attended Lansing Community College for two years and transferred to Central Michigan University with a degree in Music Education and hope to teach 3 rd - 5 th grade general music. This will be my fifth year working with the DHS Colorguard! Details about Guard Camp: Colorguard Camp: Monday July 27 th - Friday July 31st 9:00 am- 2:00 pm. This is required by all Colorguard members. The following list will help you prepare for camp:.pack a lunch.pack extra snacks.sunscreen.tennis SHOES- I will not tolerate or allow sandals, Flip- Flops, Converse, or bare feet..comfortable workout clothing (Cotton shorts, t- shirts, tank- tops etc) I will not tolerate or allow jeans, skirts, or inappropriate length of shorts..hat (especially if sunny).water!! J.No jewelry. You may harm yourself and others or damage the flag..hair ties to pull hair back out of the face..positive Attitude- you will get tired, hungry and frustrated- but keeping a positive attitude will help. **Attached is all the information regarding mandatory dates and equipment expected for the 2015-2016 marching season.** Contact Information: Carly Leppala, Coach (517)974-8008 Phone Call or Text leppa1cn@cmich.edu Email
Please visit the DeWitt Band Website regularly at www.charmsoffice.com and www.dewittbands.org Dear parents and students, DHS COLORGUARD 2015-2016 This letter provides you with detailed information that is meant to help you in your planning for marching band and color guard. Colorguard Camp: GUARD CAMP STARTS: July 27th 9:00-2:00 ends July 31st 9:00-2:00. Please follow the same rules and suggestions for guard camp as you will for band camp. PLEASE NOTE: All fittings for uniforms, gloves, shoes, and jackets will take place during Guard Camp. If you know you will be missing Guard Camp please notify me and turn in your measurements via email. If you do not turn in any measurements your uniform and equipment will be late. Gloves: $ 12.00. All the girls should have a pair. NEW guard members you will need a pair of gloves. These gloves prevent calluses and blisters due to the amount of spinning that is done. The cost is $12.00 (one time cost unless lost or damaged) and will be used each year. The sizes are X- Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Glove description: Nude colored, fingerless, elastic and leather combo with a Velcro closure. Please send me the size you need. Shoes (Required): $24 to $30 NEW guard members you will need a pair of shoes. The color guard members DO NOT wear drill masters. Guard shoes are an outdoor dance shoe with a flexible sole, and are usually ordered separate from the rest of the band. These typically run $24 to $30 (one time cost unless lost or damaged). ***All- black outfit (Required): Black slacks and Black Shirt or (cheer leotard) long sleeve. Long sleeve looks more professional than short sleeve. This acts as their band uniform not show uniform. This is a transitional uniform, meaning it will be worn only for Friday Night Football Games to avoid damage and getting the show uniforms dirty before competitions. This all- black outfit it typically worn with the Guard Jacket (Information below.) Have this outfit assembled before the start of band camp. Uniforms (Required): Uniforms are to be worn only for competitions and shows. Uniforms are to be kept clean and taken care of. Uniform Sizing: If you should have to send in your measurements to me for uniforms this is how it should look: Height Bust Waist Girth Hips Inseam Weight Size (X- Sm, Sm, Med, Lg, or X- Lg)
The sooner all the sizes come in the sooner the uniforms can be ordered, so please get it to me or Nicole Leppala as soon as possible. Jacket (not required): A guard jacket is available to order (though not required), this jacket is durable warm- up jacket that has an embroidered logo on the back, and the girls name and graduation year on the front. It is dark navy with a gold piping. The purpose of the jacket is to create a professional look as well as show their school spirit while at competitions and games. If you choose not to purchase the jacket, a dark navy warm up jacket will be needed, to help keep uniformity while in marching block and entering the field. Order forms will be available at guard camp. This jacket is meant to be worn your entire color guard career. The estimated cost: $60.00 (one time cost unless lost or damaged). There may be discounts based on the number ordered. I will not have that information until after all orders are in. When it comes time to make payment, The payment is made to: BLT s *** Bobby pins, hair spray, and hair nets. A makeup list will be given to each girl later in the summer. I am recommending that all the girls get a nude color bra that has clear straps. Information on what is needed to wear under the show uniform to prevent panty lines and bra straps will be given at guard camp. Thank you for your time. Carly Leppala leppa1cn@cmich.edu (517)974-8008 Please visit the DeWitt Band Website regularly at www.charmsoffice.com
Time Brass Woodwinds Percussion Guard 8:00 AM DeWitt High School Marching Panthers Band Camp Daily Schedule Exercise/Marching Block 9:15 AM Break/Snack 9:30 AM Warm- up Guard Trump- Ensemble Room 9:45 AM Low Brass - Tracking Woodwinds - Band Room Subsections Guard Mellos - Choir Room 10:40 AM Break Trump/Mello - Tracking Flute - Tracking 10:55 AM Low Brass - Band Room Clarinet - Squads outside Sections Guard Sax - Squads by part 12:00 PM Lunch 12:45 PM Attitude Session - Band Room 1st/2nd/3rd Trump - Squads - Outside Flute - Squads outside 1:50 PM Mellos - Squads - Outside Clarinet - Tracking Sub- sections Guard Low Brass - Squads - Outside Sax - Band Room Flute - Ensemble Room Percussion Brass - Band Room Clarinet - Choir Room Ensemble Guard Sax - Tracking 3:45 PM Break 4:00 PM Music - Full Ensemble - Band Room Guard 5:00 PM Dinner EVENING - FULL BAND 5:45 PM Exercise/Marching 6:15 - Drill 7:30 - Break 7:45 - Warm- up 8:00 PM Drill & Play 8:45 - Activities 9:00 - Announcements 5 - Lights out @ School
Hello. My name is Lisa Moore and I am the Fund Raising Chair for the DeWitt Band Boosters. I want to let everyone know that we will be holding our 4 th Annual Scrap Metal Drive on Saturday, August 15 th and Sunday, August 16 th. We will need lots of help from both parents and students to make this event a success. The scrap metal drive requires a lot of hard work but over the last 3 years we have been able to raise over $15,000.00 by collecting other people s trash! Volunteers will be needed to help pick up and unload donations, and guard our stash overnight! Sign- up sheets will be available at band camp and more detailed information will be coming. I also work at Meyer Music and I will be at band camp registration with supplies such as reeds, mouthpieces, lyres and flip folders for those in need! Enjoy your summer!! Lisa 517-930- 6016 fundraising@dewittband.org